CHAPTER 1

Grunts filled the air as two figures clashed swords on the village's tower, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The sun beat down on them, casting a warm glow over the scene. The girl's ponytail bounced with each strike, her eyes flashing with determination. The boy's muscles flexed as he parried her blows, his face set in a fierce grin.

Suddenly, she pinned him to the wall, his sword arm trapped beneath hers. He let out a small groan, panting heavily, as she leaned in close.

"You're good. Better than before," he said, his voice low and husky.

She rolled her eyes, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.

"Just admit it. I'm better than you are." She let go of him, stepping back as he turned to face her.

He waved his sword at her, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"You're egotistical."

"And you're delusional," she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

The air was charged with tension as they circled each other, their swords at the ready. The boy's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in determination.

"Hmm, getting witty are we? Well, I'm not going to take it easy on you this time."

The girl's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze, her own eyes flashing with excitement. "Nor will I," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation as they charged at each other, their swords clashing in a flurry of steel and sparks.

He swung at her and she ducked quickly, her sword flashing in the sunlight as she countered with a swift strike. He leapt back, his eyes narrowing as he parried her blow.

"You're not going to win this time," she said, a confident smile spreading across her face.

He chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, I don't know about that. I've been practicing."

She raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Practicing? You mean bragging about your skills to anyone who will listen?"

He laughed, his face creasing with lines. "Hey, someone's got to keep you humble."

She snorted, her eyes rolling in exasperation. "You're not exactly the most humble person I know."

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's what makes me so lovable."

She shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. "I'm not sure if it's your ego or your sword skills that are more impressive."

He chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, I think it's a little bit of both."

She laughed, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Well, we'll see about that. Loser has to do the winner's bidding."

His eyes narrowed, his expression turning serious. "You're on. But don't expect any mercy."

She grinned, her eyes glinting with excitement. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

He swung at her again, and she parried his blow with ease. They clashed swords, their movements lightning-fast as they danced across the rooftop.

With three heavy hits, his sword was knocked out of his hand, falling to the ground. He stood in shock, his eyes wide with surprise, as she smirked at him.

Suddenly, but swiftly, he made for the sword, and she allowed him. He swung his sword viciously at her, but she ran up halfway up the wall, appearing behind him. She jabbed him in the back with the hilt of her sword, making him groan in pain.

He swung his sword behind him, but she ducked in time. His hand reached for his lower back, and he groaned again in pain. "You are vicious," he said, his voice husky with pain.

She chuckled, a low, throaty sound. "You're just realizing that now?"

He charged at her, but she leaped to the side. She hit him again with the hilt of the sword, this time on the shoulder, making him drop his sword and groan out loud.

She ran back, then turned around and charged at him. She leaped high, hooking her legs around his neck and catching him off guard. She swung herself around, spinning him with her until he crashed to the ground with her on top of him, both legs at his side.

He panted heavily, his eyes full of shock. "I...I didn't expect that," he said, his voice husky with exertion.

She smiled widely, her eyes sparkling with triumph. "I won," she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

He looked up at her, a mixture of shock and admiration on his face. "You...you surprise me. All the time."

I plan on doing that, all the time," she whispered, a hint of mischief in her voice.

"So, what do you want from me? My finest sword? My leather jacket? A declaration of defeat, perhaps?"

She let out a low, throaty chuckle. "None of those, although I must admit, I do like your leather jacket."

She tapped her index finger against her chin, as if deep in thought.

"Tell me, then. I'll do it."

"Like you have a choice," She said, a sly grin spreading across her face. "All I want is for you to come with me to the T'yapak tonight. I need to tell you something."

Her eyes dropped, a hint of sadness clouding her features.

"Is everything okay?" he asked, concern etched in his voice.

"Everything is fine," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just really important."

"Why can't you tell me now?" he pressed, his eyebrows furrowed in question. "Why does it have to be at the T'yapak?"

"You're not supposed to ask questions," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.

"That wasn't part of the deal, remember." He countered.

"I'm making it part of the deal now," She said, his eyes glinting with amusement. He reached out and grabbed her hand, his fingers wrapping around hers in a gentle grasp. He placed her hand on his chest, his eyes locked on hers. "Just remember, no matter what happens, I'm always here for you."

His sincerity was palpable, and she nodded slowly, her dark hair catching the sunlight and seeming even darker than it was. Suddenly, she became aware of their position – she was sitting on top of him, a realization that sent a flush of embarrassment to her cheeks. She quickly scrambled off him, as if she'd been burned.

He laughed low in his throat. "I was starting to wonder if you loved the feel of my body so much, you didn't want to let me go."

He sat up, his chest and stomach muscles rippling beneath his skin. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of him, shirtless and glistening with sweat. Her cheeks grew even hotter as she turned away, stomping down the stairs that led out of the tower.

"Shut up!" she called back over her shoulder, her voice echoing through the air. She left him to chasing after her, calling her name as he did.