Chapter 10: The Archery Match

The morning sun cast a warm golden glow over the training grounds, illuminating the dew-kissed grass and the clusters of trees beyond. Mekeala stood near the archery stand, twirling her bow playfully as she waited for Ezekeil. Her lips curved into a mischievous grin when she saw him approaching, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever.

"You actually showed up," she teased.

"I keep my promises," Ezekeil replied coolly, his hands resting casually at his sides.

Handing him a beautifully carved wooden bow, Mekeala's eyes sparkled with mischief. "This won't be a simple match, though. We'll need some help."

Ezekeil raised a brow but said nothing, his curiosity piqued.

Without further explanation, Mekeala brought two fingers to her lips and whistled a melodic rhythm that echoed through the air. A few heartbeats later, a shimmering swarm of fairies fluttered toward them, their wings glistening like shards of rainbow glass under the sunlight.

Ezekeil's eyes widened slightly, a rare show of surprise. "I've been here for a while, but this is the first time I've seen them," he muttered under his breath.

Mekeala knelt down, whispering something to the tiny beings. They chirped gleefully, their tinkling voices like a chorus of silver bells. Moments later, the fairies scattered across the field, each carrying large, vibrant leaves as targets.

"See? I told you this wouldn't be an ordinary match," Mekeala said, laughing at Ezekeil's puzzled expression.

"I'll play along," he retorted, his lips curving into the faintest smirk.

"The rules are simple," Mekeala declared. "The one who hits the most leaves wins."

Before they began, Mekeala traced her fingers over the arrows, murmuring a soft incantation. Her arrows shimmered with a radiant silver glow, while Ezekeil's arrows gleamed with a golden aura.

"Ready?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement. "One... two... three!"

At her count, the fairies zipped through the air in random directions, their speeds varying wildly. Mekeala wasted no time, nocking her first arrow and releasing it with a sharp twang. The shimmering projectile soared through the air, striking a leaf cleanly.

Ezekeil, however, remained still, observing the chaotic dance of the fairies. His golden eyes tracked their erratic movements with calculated precision. Only when he had mapped their unpredictable patterns did he raise his bow and release his first arrow. It hit its target effortlessly.

Mekeala's playful demeanor shifted as the match intensified. Her brow furrowed in concentration, and her shots became sharper, more precise. She conjured additional magic into her bow, her energy radiating like rippling waves.

Ezekeil, in contrast, remained composed, each of his shots deliberate and unerring. The golden aura swirling around him grew more intense, a subtle hint of his dragon magic seeping through.

Frustrated by his calm dominance, Mekeala whistled sharply, signaling the fairies to speed up and move more frantically. The leaves darted through the air in unpredictable arcs, making the challenge even more difficult.

Ezekeil's lips curved into a confident smirk. "Is that all you've got?" he teased, his voice low but teasing.

Not one to back down, Mekeala boosted her magic further, her silver arrows glowing brighter. Their duel became a dazzling display of light and magic, silver and gold streaks crisscrossing the sky as the fairies cheered and flitted around them.

An hour passed in what felt like mere minutes. Both archers were breathless but exhilarated as the fairies gathered to count the leaves.

The leader of the fairies, a tiny sprite with shimmering wings, chimed, "Ezekeil wins with 47 shots! Mekeala has 38 shots!"

Mekeala pouted, her lips forming a slight scowl. "Traitors," she grumbled to the fairies. "You were supposed to help me win!"

The fairies chirped gleefully, swirling around her in playful apology until she giggled despite herself.

Ezekeil approached her, his expression softening just a fraction. "Nice game," he said, his voice warm with rare approval.

Mekeala sighed dramatically but smiled. "You're good, I'll give you that."

As they stood together under the golden sunlight, surrounded by fluttering fairies, an unspoken understanding formed between them—a bond forged through magic, challenge, and respect.

Ezekeil glanced at her, his thoughts swirling with curiosity and conflict. Why did she make everything so complicated yet so... captivating?

Mekeala, oblivious to his inner turmoil, gave him a cheerful wave. "I'll beat you next time," she promised confidently.

"We'll see," Ezekeil replied, his smirk returning.

As she walked away, her laughter lingering in the air, Ezekeil stood by the field, his gaze following her retreating figure. For the first time in a long while, the weight on his shoulders felt just a little lighter.