Chapter 27

Sweat beaded on my forehead as my arms felt strange with the bow and arrow. After years of not practicing, my body felt like a heavy block. The weight of the bow was unfamiliar, and the tension in the string seemed to mock my every effort. I could hear Caleb's words echoing in my mind, Ethan's laughter ringing in my ears. They thought I couldn't do it, that I would fail. But their doubts only fueled my determination—I needed to try, to win, to prove them wrong.

As I struggled to find the right stance, a shadow fell over me. I looked up to see Leo, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Your form is great," he said, "but your position is a bit off."

I cocked my head, my frustration momentarily forgotten. "Alright then, master," I challenged, "why don't you teach me as well?"

Leo stepped closer, his presence commanding yet comforting. He adjusted my legs first, setting them apart with a firmness that left no room for argument. Then he stood behind me, his hands guiding my arms into positio