FLASHBACK: Six Months Ago
The fresh smell of pine and wet earth filled the air, mixed with the distant sound of the wind. Sunlight passed through the tall trees, creating patterns on the forest floor.
A sharp whistle cut through the quiet.
Thwack.
An arrow lodged itself into the trunk of an ancient oak, just a fraction off target.
"Are you getting tired, Your Highness?" Luther asked with a smirk. His golden eyes sparkled with mischief as he relaxed his stance and lowered his bow.
Damian snorted, rolling his shoulders. "Tired? Hardly. Just giving you a chance to catch up."
One of the lords chuckled as he retrieved a fresh arrow from his quiver. "I don't know, Prince Damian. Lord Luther's shots have been alarmingly accurate today. Perhaps you should sit this next round out."
Damian raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering across his features. "And miss the chance to wipe that smug look off his face? I think not."
