The heir's predator

XV

The cool evening air greeted us as we stepped out of the mall. The city lights shimmered, casting a soft glow over the streets. Elijah stretched his arms above his head and then offered me a hand with a grin.

"Ready to walk off that feast? I think I ate half the menu," he joked, his hand warm and steady as I took it.

"Half the menu? More like three-quarters." I smiled back as he rolled his eyes. " This breeze feels amazing." I smiled as we began strolling down the cobblestone streets, the sound of distant laughter and faint music catching my attention.

As we rounded a corner, a vibrant glow lit up the horizon. Ferris wheels spun, flashing neon lights danced, and the hum of cheerful voices filled the air. Elijah paused, his eyes lighting up.

"A fun fair?" he said, almost as if he couldn't believe it. "This wasn't here last time I came. Want to check it out?"

"Absolutely," I replied, feeling a flicker of excitement. The sight was nostalgic "I haven't been to one of these in ages."

We picked up our pace, the buzz of the crowd growing louder. There was a small que by the grand entrance. As we approached the ticket booth, Elijah bought a total of 40 tokens. Once inside, the scents of buttery popcorn, cotton candy, and fried dough enveloped us. Elijah's grin was infectious as he pulled me toward a ring toss booth.

He gave 4 tokens to the man who then handed him a set of 4 rings. "Think you've got what it takes to win a prize?" he teased, handing me two rings.

"Obviously," I shot back with a playful smirk, lining up my first throw. I missed spectacularly, the ring clattering onto the table. Elijah laughed.

"Listen that was a warm up, it don't count," I nudged him. I looked back at the targets with the last ring left in my hand. I pulled my arm back and lightly swung realising the ring. The ring slightly grazed the target before landing on the lights above. A burst of laughter erupted from behind me as I turened around. Elijah huched over laughing at my failed attempt. His dimples more prominent than before.

"Tragic scenes Tai. So unlucky", he clapped his hands sacarstically."

"Here, let me show you how it's done." He stepped infornt of me, snickering at my mutters of hoping he would miss.  He rolled his  shoulders dramatically before tossing a ring. It landed squarely on the target. Raising his arms triumphantly, he cheered, "Still got it!"

The man at the booth handed him a stuffed brown wolf. With an over the top bow he presented me the prize, "For you, m'lady."

I couldnt help but smile, hugging the plush toy. "How fitting—a wolf."

"Well, you're the perfect person to give it to."

"Fine, you win this round," I accepted the defeat as I hugged the wolf .He smirked.

"Always do," he said with a wink.

"Hmmm for now," I walked past him with sass  as he playfully rolled his eyes. 

Elijah's hand brushed mine casually as we wandered past rows of booths and rides. Then he stopped abruptly, his eyes lighting up.

"Oh, look at that!" He pointed to a shooting game booth. The setup had colorful targets lined up behind a counter, with air rifles mounted in front. A sign above the booth promised oversized prizes for the highest scores. "Think you've got what it takes to hit the bullseye? Oh wait, from your other attempt, I doubt it"

I smirked, tilting my head at him. "Oh and you think your luck will last, Captain?"

"Why don't you go first and try to redeem yourself. Show me how it's done" he challenged, stepping aside with a playful bow.