Loving The Traitor (A Luke Castellan Love Story)[BOOK ONE]

Chapter 20 - I Challenge Luke to A Duel

I Challenge Luke to A Duel

The sun hung low on the horizon, casting golden hues across the tranquil surface of the lake as Luke and I sat, the echoes of our conversation lingering in the air like wisps of smoke. The gentle lapping of the water against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to the tension that crackled between us.

"I don't think you should come with me," Luke's words cut through the serene atmosphere, jolting me from my reverie. Confusion knitted my brows together as I turned to face him, searching his eyes for any hint of jest.

"Wait, what are you saying?" I replied, my voice tinged with disbelief. "Of course, I am coming with you."

Luke's expression softened, a shadow of reluctance flickering across his features as he spoke. "No, please, you don't understand," he pleaded. "If you got hurt, I could never forgive myself. Plus, everyone thinks we broke up now, so it would kind of be weird."

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken truths and unvoiced fears. My heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of frustration and determination coursing through my veins. Without a second thought, I made a decision.

"I challenge you to a duel," the words spilled from my lips before I could stop them, my voice laced with resolve. I had been training with Reese, honing my skills in secret, and now was the time to put them to the test.

Luke's eyes widened in surprise, his brows furrowing in concern. "No, it has nothing to do with you not being able to fight," he protested, but I was already on my feet, determination propelling me forward.

Racing to where my sword lay, I gripped its hilt tightly, the weight of it familiar and comforting in my hands. I squared my shoulders, meeting Luke's gaze with unwavering determination as I nodded my assent.

With a sigh of resignation, Luke stepped forward, his movements fluid and graceful as he assumed a defensive stance. I launched myself at him, my movements fueled by a potent mix of adrenaline and determination.

The clash of steel rang out in the quiet of the evening, the rhythmic dance of our blades a testament to the intensity of our resolve. Luke's skill was evident, his movements calculated and precise as he parried my blows with ease.

But I refused to yield, pushing myself beyond the limits of my training as I fought tooth and nail for the chance to prove myself. Each strike, each parry, brought me closer to the truth, a truth I was determined to uncover.

As the duel wore on, I felt a surge of pride swell within me, my movements growing more fluid and assured with each passing moment. Luke's expression softened, a flicker of admiration dancing in his eyes as he watched me fight.

But even as I pressed forward, my determination unyielding, Luke's resolve remained unshakeable. With a sigh, he relented, his movements slowing as he allowed me to gain the upper hand.

I felt a surge of triumph wash over me, the taste of victory sweet on my tongue as I stood before him, sword raised high. But even in that moment of glory, a sense of unease lingered in the air, a silent reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

Drawing closer, Luke brought me into his embrace, his touch warm and reassuring against my skin. For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as we stood there, suspended in the quiet of the night.

"I need you to be safe," Luke's words were a whisper against the backdrop of the evening, his voice tinged with a mixture of longing and regret.

I searched his eyes, the depths of their blue depths betraying a vulnerability I had never seen before. In that moment, all the anger, all the frustration, melted away, leaving only the undeniable truth that bound us together.

"I need you to be safe too," I murmured lamely, my voice barely above a whisper as I leaned into his embrace. And then, without another word, he kissed me, sealing our silent pact in the quiet of the night.