A hunt turned battle.

Mirabel gazed out the window, her fingers weaving nervously through her tousled hair. She closed her eyes, and at that moment, time seemed to stand still, a gentle reminder of the world waiting beyond the glass.

Rising from the makeshift bed by the window, she reached for her bow and quiver filled with arrows. With a deep breath, she stepped outside into the expansive field, where the tall grasses caressed her legs with a soothing whisper as she walked, creating a symphony of rustling sounds.

The field was largely deserted, with only a few workers tending to the land, oblivious to her presence as she slipped into the dilapidated building nearby. Her eyes scanned the dim interior, darting from one cage to another. Most of them sat empty, the sense of abandonment palpable, until a faint sound broke the silence from the adjacent cage.

She approached cautiously, her heart racing as she opened the door to find a magnificent horse, its coat glistening like polished obsidian. With gentle hands, she caressed the beast, feeling its warmth beneath her fingers. Leading it through the back exit, she leaped onto its back, adrenaline surging as they charged into the wild. Arrows flew from her bow, striking at anything that moved—birds soared upward, branches swayed, and even fish darted beneath the water's surface, oblivious to the huntress above.

Further along, Lucifer's Heart galloped at breakneck speed, but he reined in the horse, bringing it to a halt amidst the dense underbrush. With practiced ease, he readied his bow and dismounted, crouching low to the ground as he scanned his surroundings. A flicker of motion caught his eye, and he quickly turned to investigate.

Lying at his feet was a dark clump of fur, and he picked it up with curiosity. "An antelope," he mused silently to himself. His gaze flicked to a nearby tree, where he locked eyes with a fleeting shadow. Without hesitation, he loosed an arrow, but his strike was swift yet inaccurate; the creature bolted, disappearing into the depths of the forest.

His heart raced as he pursued it, his legs burning with every stride. But soon, he felt lost, the vibrant sounds of the forest fading into the distance. A heart-wrenching cry echoed through the air, pulling him back to reality. He followed the sound, urgency driving him, only to find the antelope lying motionless on the forest floor, an arrow lodged in its heart. Blood pooled beneath it, a stark contrast against the earth.

As he drew closer, he heard a voice slice through the tense silence. "Go look for yours elsewhere; this prize belongs to me." She stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with a fierce determination, as radiant as sunlight glinting off polished gold. Her skin shimmered, and her thin lips twisted into a challenging smirk.

Lucifer stepped into her path, a low growl escaping his throat. "And who exactly are you!" His voice rolled like thunder, filled with both inquiry and defiance.

"The hunter who killed that antelope," she replied, leaning closer, her breath warm against his ear. "Back off!"

A low chuckle escaped him as he took her measure, his confidence unwavering. She dragged the arrow from the antelope's body and held it up, a taunting grin dancing on her lips.

In a swift motion, he brought his foot down onto her hand, causing the arrow to clatter to the ground. As he turned to walk away, his laughter echoed mockingly through the trees. "Hunter, hunter!"

Fuelled by a surge of adrenaline, Mirabel dashed after him, pushing him with all her might. He stumbled back against a tree, momentarily stunned. Seizing her opportunity, she leaped upon him, her fists flying with fury as they connected with his face and abdomen.

Breathing heavily, her nostrils flared and her eyes blazed with determination. He grasped her waist, lifting her effortlessly and tossing her to the forest floor. The diamond necklace around her neck glinted in the dappled sunlight, drawing his gaze momentarily.

Lost in thought, he realized how quickly the encounter had turned. In a flash, she was on him again, landing heavy blows, but he remained composed, his focus unyielding as he stared at the necklace that dangled hypnotically.

Mirabel, sensing his distraction, pulled away and seized the lifeless antelope, fleeing at a swift pace.

Lucifer's thoughts raced like wildfire in his mind. "I, Lucifer, have been bested by a woman who squats to urinate?" Questions tumbled through his head. "But who is she? Is she of noble birth? How could I have never crossed paths with her until this moment? What audacity to confront Lucifer,

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