“A moral stance, is it?”
Lucas squinted into the bright sky like he was checking for signs of a winged monster. “I prefer different opponents. Preferably ones who can fight back.”
Qian looked amused. “A monster isn’t a worthy adversary?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Well, if you want to protect your queen, you should get some practice in. That monster could swoop down and take a bite.” By then, Qian had noticed me, and his smile widened. “And a prettier creature graces us with her presence.”
I stepped out onto the lawn while Qian’s men broke off to drink fresh water and eat snacks. Lucas’s eyes lingered on me for the briefest moment before he cleared his throat and secured his arms behind his back. He bowed to me, as was customary, and didn’t say or do anything more. Qian, ignoring the formalities, came to me.
“You were looking for me?” I asked, attempting to sound casual. I couldn’t help but stare at the quiver full of arrows at his hip and imagine what it would feel like to be shot with one. “Amador mentioned you wanted to speak.”
“We heard rumors of a monster,” he said. “Some sort of flesh-eating, bloodsucking creature.” His eyes went to the herbs in Nix’s basket, and his brow furrowed. “Were you two in the jungle?”
“Only for a little bit. We think the monster is nocturnal,” said Nix.
Qian wiped sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand and said, “Can’t be too careful. The both of you should stay close.”
“We know,” I said. “A curfew sounds like an excellent idea while we investigate further. Wouldn’t want anyone to be harmed.”
“Of course, everyone’s safety is the top priority. Second, though, is preparedness. Do you like it?” He showed me the bow, mistaking my staring at it for interest. “It’s my favorite.”
“It’s a beautiful weapon,” I said. It was a carved wood, burned black, polished to a glossy shine. It looked deadly, even at rest.
“Would you like to try a shot?”
“Um…” My eyes flicked toward Lucas, who looked impassive. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. Heat welled up inside me for some reason. I wasn’t sure I wanted to, but I nodded. “Sure.”
Qian smiled, and my heart skipped as I saw genuine warmth there. He was excited to share. “Have you ever used one before?”
I shook my head and stepped up to the spot on the lawn where Qian had shot from. I expected him to hand the bow over, but instead, he placed it in my hand, and then he moved around me, pressing himself up against my back while he threaded an arrow from his hand into mine. His touch sent a thrill down my spine. I leaned into the sturdiness of him as he situated me into position, locking my fingers for me around the bowstring. Then he dragged his hands up my arms, and his breath was hot on my ear. “Nowthink of the bow like an extension of yourself. Don’t look at the arrow. Simply feel.”
I tried to maintain my composure, but his being so close felt like an electric current was surging through my skin. My gaze flicked toward Lucas, whose eyes were firmly on the ground, his jaw clenched so tightly, I wondered if he might crack a tooth. A slithering feeling of satisfaction snaked its way through my gut. I’d had to watch him and Amador for so long, so how did it feel now?
The bow was heavier than I imagined, and the leather wrap was still warm from where Qian had held it. His face hovered over my shoulder, his chest pressed up against my back. Surprisingly enough, I didn’t mind how close Qian was. It was like he’d enveloped me in his arms, shielding me from the world. He helped me pull back the string, and the bow flexed obediently. He called for the game master to fire a clay disc. “Pull!”
The disc shot into the sky, but I didn’t let loose.
“Easy,” Qian whispered in my ear, helping me track the projectile. “Just watch. Focus on the target.”
The disc hovered high over our heads, and for a moment, I imagined the disc had bat wings, bloody claws, and no legs. A manananggal. Me.
Qian mistook my momentary panic for nerves.
“Steady now,” Qian said. His hands grasped my forearms gently and lined the sight up with the clay disc as it bobbed in the air. “Don’t hesitate. Let your mind go blank. Once you’ve got it in your sights, let loose.”
I released the bowstring, and the arrow shot out, whistling like a bullet. The arrow hit the disc straight on, splitting it in half. Tooeasily could I imagine the arrow piercing through flesh. I even felt the pain, heard the inhuman scream wrench from my own throat, and I lowered the bow. I was numbly aware that Qian’s party was applauding me, and it took me a moment to gather myself before I turned to them and gave a cute curtsy. Qian’s eyes were bright while he clapped and beamed.
“Excellent shot,” he said. “The monster won’t stand a chance against you.”
“I would hope not.” I gave him my best smile as I returned his bow to him, but inside I felt like screaming.
I excused myself, but Qian called my name.
“Be careful, MJ,” he said. “Dangers may be lurking around every corner.”
“I can take care of myself,” I said.
