Beneath the Vampire King's Desire

Chapter 5

She's currently outside Elderglen, practicing her archery in the forest. With Waya occupied by the ongoing chaos and being the head of the Hounds, she decided to train alone. She hasn't seen Vesto for weeks, perhaps because he's been busy tracking the hunters.

Everyone is occupied with current events, so she needs to train harder to improve her physical skills. Kinuha niya ang bowstring na tumama sa target at pinunasan iyon.

"Ang galing mo na, Elara!" Liwayway said while clapping her hands.

"Salamat, Liwayway." Sabi niya at pumuwesto na ulit.

"When you draw the bowstring, use your back muscles rather than just your arms." Napatigil siya ng marinig ang pamilyar na boses.

Napabaling siya sa kanyang likuran at nakita si Lucius na nakatingin sa gawi nila. Nanlaki ang mata niya ng makita ito.

"Hey, it's you again!" Sabi niya at ngumiti dito. "It's been weeks since the last time I saw you." She said.

Naglakad naman ito papunta sa kanilang direksiyon.

"You're training alone?" He asked her ng makalapit sa kanya.

"Hmp! Kita mo naman!" Masungit na sabad ni Liwayway.

"Oo. My master has been heavily involved in various important tasks." Sagot niya dito. "While Vesto has also busy with his commitments." Binalik niya na ang tingin sa kanyang target.

"Vestos..." Narinig niyang sabi nito kaya bumaling siya ulit kay Lucius.

"Oo. Do you know him?" Ngumiti siya dito.

Seryosong nakatingin lang ito sa kanya. Umiwas naman siya ng tingin dahil naiilang siya sa paraan ng pagtitig nito.

"No." He answered. "I can train you with your archery."

Kumislap ang mata niya dahil sa sinabi ni Lucius.

"Really?!" She excitedly asked him. Tumango naman ito.

Narinig niya naman ang reklamo ni Liwayway na lumilipad. Naka-cross ang dalawang kamay nito sa dibdib at ngmuso.

The training went well. She began by refining her stance, aligning her body and adjusting her feet for better stability. Lucius guided her through the correct technique for drawing the bowstring, emphasizing the importance of using her back muscles and maintaining a steady hand. As she practiced aiming and releasing, she focused on her breathing and the smoothness of her shots. With each attempt, her form and accuracy improved, and she began to hit the target with greater precision.

After training she put her bowstring and arrow in her quiver. They walked in the forest. Nakikinig lang sa kanila si Lucius habang nag-uusap sila ni Liwayway.

"Apples!" Liwayway excitedly shout.

Napatingin naman siya sa tinuro nito at masayang tumakbo habang nakasunod kay Liwayway.

She tried to jump and reach the apples. Napanguso naman siya ng makitang kinakagat ni Liwayway ang apple na nasa sanga.

"Here." Tiningnan naman niya ang apple na inabot sa kanya ni Lucius.

"Salamat." Ngumiti siya dito at umupo sa malaking bato.

Nang matapos sa kakakagat si Liwayway ay ang buhok niya naman ang pinagkaabalahan nito.

"You want some?" Tanong niya dito at nilahad ang apple pero umiling lang ito. "What kingdom are you from?" Tanong niya dito.

Hindi naman ito sumagot.

"I'm sorry. I asked too many personal questions." Nahihiyang sabi niya.

"It's fine." Sabi niyo habang nakatingin sa kanya.