Hellbound Heart

Dressed in a black camouflage cargo pants paired with combat boots and a long sleeve white stretch, Elle lifted her hands and aimed at the target before her. Her blue orbs were intent and focused on the target ahead but her expression was relaxed. There was no sign of tenseness nor emotions on her face.

The gentle breeze blowing caused some strands of hair that had come loose from her braid to start swaying in a quiet dance.

BANG!

The loud sound that used to jolt her crazy at first no longer fazes her. Well, it had been quite a while and she couldn't even count how many times she had fired her gun until now.

A clap followed the loud gunshot.

"Good job." It was Caelian who spoke. The man was standing beside Abigail, watching Elle closely as she had been taking her aim and when she released her shot.

Releasing a long breath, Elle stared hard at her target. Her shot barely missed the bullseye. She felt a little disappointed as she was truly aiming to finally shoot that bullseye. But seeing how close it was this time, Elle felt her motivation rise even higher. 'A little bit more...' she told herself. She just needed to practice more and she'll be even better!

Three days have passed since she started her marksmanship training. It was Caelian who taught her the basics and everything else about guns since it seemed that the man was quite knowledgeable about guns. She had heard from Abi that Caelian had been serving as a marine for many years in another country and had even participated in human wars many years ago.

He was incredibly skillful and Elle could tell how good of a teacher that he was. Just within three days, she had learned a lot from him.

With a big smile, Elle turned at Caelian and Abigail. "It's amazing!" she exclaimed. The feeling of accomplishment welling up within her was really uplifting. Though she had always been athletic, Elle was not very sure about her aiming skill. She had lowered her expectations but to her relief, it seemed that she was much better in it than she had ever imagined herself to be. She truly believed and was convinced that one of the biggest reasons was because of her trainer.

"You're actually amazing, Elle." Abi grinned proudly at her, causing Elle's eyes to gleam even brighter.

Caelian nodded in approval. "I told you... you have what it takes to do it

, Princess."

Before Elle could even form a response, another voice that did not belong to Abi or Caelian echoed from behind them.

"So this is what's occupying everyone for the past three days, huh?" Alexander arched a brow as he lazily leaned against the tree trunk. His arm had already snaked around Abi's waist but Elle did not even wonder how Abi was already right there with him. This couple who had already been together for so long were still so sweet on each other that it was nothing new to Elle and others around them, when they behaved like a couple that are newly married.

And based on Alexander's words, it seems like he did not know about this. So, it would only mean that the gun she was using would have come from Caelian and not from Alexander.

After Abi said something to him in a low voice, Alexander sighed and then he looked over at Caelian.

"So, how is she? I hope you taught her well enough, Caelian." Alexander commented.

"Princess Izabelle is good. I believe she's naturally a sharp shooter. She just needs more chances to train and take the time to familiarize herself enough with the gun."

Alexander glanced at Elle's target and he nodded with approval. But then he walked towards it, blocking the target with his body.

"I see you're indeed doing really well considering that it has only been a few days you've been training. I think it's about time you move on to the next step. Aim at me this time, Princess Izabelle." Alexander patted lightly on his chest, indicating for her to aim at his person.

Elle's eyes circled wide. She did not see that coming at all. Alexander looked serious and the way he was giving her that challenging look had her nerves stiffening. This man's presence had always been light and the kind that gives her the feeling of safety. Since the day she met him, he had never once intimidated her. Maybe because he has always been nice and gentle when dealing with her.

But today, Alexander was showing her something serious. And she could not help but swallow. She never dared to think that Alexander was not powerful. But the vibe he gives off just with him looking all serious like he was right now, was something she was not expecting. To think she would feel the chills running down her spine just by him acting all serious.

"I'm your target this time, Princess Elle. If you manage to even graze me, then you can consider yourself to have passed." He smiled and Elle somehow relaxed again. But what he said earlier was a bit... Was he trying to rile her up? If that was his aim, well, he has certainly succeeded. Because now, she felt like she really wanted to try and meet his challenge just to gain his approval.

Turning to Abi, Elle was again speechless to see her smiling. Even gesturing at her to do her best. Wow... was this real? Abi's actually cheering and encouraging her to shoot at her beloved husband?!

Now her confidence was starting to waver a little. She thought that their reactions could mean that they believe she could not do it yet.

"Now come at me, Princess. Don't hesitate. Because if you do, you won't even manage to barely graze me." Alexander continued urging her, his elegant smile even turning a little taunting. "Shoot me like you mean it."