Astor stood motionless, the bowstring taut, and the arrow aimed directly at Selene. The tension in the moment was palpable, as though the very air waited to see who would act first. Selene, however, didn't seem impressed.
The moonlight barely illuminated the baroness's face, which bore an expression of calm mixed with boredom. Despite the threat posed by the bow, Selene stood firm, her sword slightly lowered but ready to be used at any moment.
"This is pointless," she finally said, her tone dry but without aggression. "You could aim at me all night and never hit me from this distance. You already tried once, remember?"
Astor knew she was right. Their first encounter had proven that she wasn't an easy opponent, especially when she could close the distance with surprising speed and precision. Still, he didn't lower the bow. The string remained taut, his hands steady, but his mind raced, searching for the best way to handle the situation.
"Why did you make me come here?" Selene asked, raising an eyebrow as she took a small step toward him.
Astor didn't respond. He knew that speaking would be a mistake, that his voice would give him away instantly.
"Oh, I see," Selene continued, a faint note of mockery in her voice. "You don't want me to recognize you, do you? Although… that seems rather pointless."
Her tone grew more inquisitive, though she remained calm.
"If you wanted to talk to me, you could have done so while we were riding. Or better yet, why not after that delightful beating Edmund gave you?"
The impact of her words was immediate. Astor felt the air grow heavier. It was clear that Selene had already connected the dots, that she knew who was behind the mask.
Astor drew the string tighter, even though he knew deep down it was futile. The secret he had protected for years was teetering on the edge.
"Look, I don't have time for these games," Selene said with a sigh. "I know who you are. Stop pretending."
Selene took another step forward, still not raising her sword.
"If you care so much about keeping up this charade, I could run straight to Astor Valenford's tent and check if he's there. Is that what you want?"
Astor let out a deep sigh and, with a slow movement, released the tension on the bowstring without lowering the weapon entirely. Finally, he reached for the mask covering his face and removed it, revealing his identity.
Selene didn't seem surprised. She simply observed him, as if confirming something she already knew.
"How long have you known?" Astor finally asked, his tone low but controlled.
Selene tilted her head slightly, as though recalling something.
"Since your demonstration when I arrived at your house as a guest," she replied matter-of-factly. "Both the archer who tried to kill me and the useless young Astor share the same curious tic when releasing the bowstring. It's very subtle, almost imperceptible, but the same strange hand position."
Astor frowned. He had spent years perfecting his facade of ineptitude, and it annoyed him that something as small as a tic had given him away.
"And why didn't you do anything?" he asked, his voice laced with incredulity. "I tried to kill you."
Selene let out a light laugh, lowering her sword completely.
"Because I wasn't entirely sure," she admitted, her eyes glinting with a trace of amusement. "I didn't want to risk lashing out at an innocent person by mistake."
Astor narrowed his eyes, analyzing every word, searching for any hint of an ulterior motive.
"And, to be honest, it was entertaining to watch your little act," Selene added, shrugging. "The clumsy, useless young noble who always seems to be in the wrong place. It was an interesting game."
Selene's words caught him off guard. He had expected a confrontation, a direct attack, but instead, Selene seemed almost indifferent to the fact that he had tried to kill her.
"Is that all? A game?" Astor asked, finally lowering the bow, though he didn't entirely put away the arrow.
Selene stared at him, her expression growing more serious.
"Not entirely." She paused, as if carefully choosing her next words. "I think there's more to you, Astor Valenford. Much more."
Astor didn't respond immediately. He knew that, in that moment, Selene had won another small battle. Not only had she uncovered his secret, but she had also managed to disarm him emotionally.
Finally, Selene gave a faint smile and sheathed her sword.
"So, what now?" she asked. "Are you going to try to silence me? I wouldn't recommend it, honestly."
Astor lowered the bow entirely and sighed deeply. Selene's words had disarmed him in a way no fight ever could.
"I know I can't kill you," he admitted at last, his tone calm but tinged with resignation. "And I didn't come here for that."
Selene stopped in her tracks, turning her gaze toward him. The amusement in her expression began to fade as she listened intently.
"Then why am I here?" she asked, dropping her mocking tone.
Astor slung the bow over his back and took a step toward her, maintaining a relaxed posture but fixing her with a firm gaze.
"I want to propose a deal," he said. His voice, though quiet, carried an unusual weight for someone who always pretended to be useless.
Selene raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she studied him.
"What kind of deal?"
Astor took a deep breath before continuing. He knew this was a crucial moment, one that could define not only his future in the war but also his survival.
"I'm not here for glory or to meet my family's expectations," he began, his tone sounding more honest than Selene had ever heard before. "All I want is to survive and return home."
Selene remained silent, her expression growing more serious.
"And what do you want from me?"
"An alliance," Astor responded without hesitation. "You want to win this war, don't you? Well, I can help you. My skills are real, and you know it. But I need your word that I won't have to reveal my identity."
"There's a problem with that. This is a war; it's hard for me to fight for you. If you lack the necessary skills, you'll die."
"My concern isn't the war itself but a potential stab in the back. That's what I need you to protect me from," Astor said, revealing his worry.
Selene let her arms drop and stood straighter, shifting from the playful woman who enjoyed games to the strategist she truly was. Her gaze hardened as she processed Astor's words.
"Edmund? And what do I gain from this? If I intervene too much, I'll end up antagonizing the current head of the Valenford family. And for what? To help the useless son of the same family?" she finally asked.
Astor let out a faint smile.
"You're right. It might not seem like a wise decision to ally with me. But if you do, I won't just be your best weapon during the war; I promise that even after the war ends, you'll have my bow at your disposal—though only after I settle a family matter."
Selene remained silent for several seconds, carefully weighing the proposal. Her mind worked like a general's on the battlefield, considering risks and rewards.
Finally, she spoke, her tone cold and professional.
"I accept your proposal, with one condition."
"What condition?" Astor asked, his expression turning serious.
"Edmund. I want you to keep your brother under control for the rest of this journey."
Astor couldn't help but let out a dry laugh.
"I doubt Edmund will act up again after what happened today. Although…" He paused, his smile fading slightly. "I'm sure he'll find a way to get revenge. He's not someone who accepts defeat easily."
Selene nodded, as if she had expected that response.
"Then I suggest you keep a close eye on him. I'll do the same."
Astor let out a soft sigh and extended his hand toward Selene.
"Do we have a deal, then?"
Selene looked at his hand for a moment before shaking it firmly.
"It's a deal," she replied, with a faint glimmer of approval in her eyes. "But be careful, Astor. If you break your end of the agreement, I won't care what you think you're capable of."
Astor nodded, his smile returning with a hint of confidence.
"Likewise, Lady Selene. And as I just said, I really recommend you sleep with one eye open. Edmund won't forget tonight easily."
Selene let out a soft snort at his warning and turned, heading back to camp with firm steps. Astor remained motionless for a moment, watching her disappear into the shadows.
Once he was sure Selene was far enough away, he took a moment to steady his breathing and organize his thoughts. He knew the agreement they had just sealed wouldn't guarantee his safety, but it was better than nothing. Even so, Astor would keep a close watch on Selene; he wouldn't place all his trust in a spoken deal.
With calculated movements, he made sure to return to camp stealthily, avoiding any unwanted attention. When he finally reached his tent, he slipped inside and settled into his place as if he had never left.
The camp remained silent, but Astor knew the real noise was yet to come. As he closed his eyes, he couldn't help but feel that the game had become much more dangerous—but also much more interesting.