Two days had passed since Adam's encounter with Nessa at the beach. Seeking a more peaceful retreat, the Kilter family set out for a serene picnic in a nearby forest. The day was bright, and the sun filtered through the dense canopy of olive trees. Their rough, gnarled bark and branches, laden with green, unripe olives, created an atmosphere of ancient tranquility as the family wandered deeper into the woods.
Adam, his eyes wide with curiosity, spotted a brown squirrel perched on a low-hanging branch, busily nibbling on an acorn. "Mr. Squirrel, do you know a good place for a picnic here?" Adam asked, his voice brimming with innocent enthusiasm.
The squirrel, momentarily startled, blinked at Adam in surprise. "Wait... how can you understand me?" it asked, its tiny paws frozen mid-bite.
"Magic," Adam replied with a nonchalant shrug, as if talking to animals was as natural as breathing.
The squirrel tilted its head, then, with a small shrug of its own, accepted this odd reality. "Alright, keep going straight until you find an opening in the trees. The sunlight there makes everything look golden—a perfect spot for a picnic."
"Thanks!" Adam beamed, relaying the directions to his parents casually as if nothing out of the ordinary had just occurred. David and Samantha exchanged glances, their son's abilities never ceasing to amaze them.
Following the squirrel's directions, the Kilter family soon arrived at a breathtaking clearing. Sunlight streamed through the treetops, casting golden hues on the soft, grassy floor. The air was filled with the soothing rustle of leaves and the distant, melodic chirping of birds. Adam ran ahead, eager to find the perfect spot for their picnic.
"This is it! The squirrel was right, it's beautiful here!" Adam called back, his voice full of wonder.
David and Samantha smiled, glad to see their son full of energy and happiness. They quickly set down the basket and blanket, arranging everything for a perfect picnic.
As the family settled down amidst the tranquil forest, they laid out a delightful spread of sandwiches, pastries, snacks, and refreshing drinks on their checkered blanket. The scene around them was one of peaceful harmony, the forest came alive with a quiet, almost magical energy. The gentle hum of nature surrounded them, making their meal even more enjoyable.
As they began to eat, the forest creatures started to draw near, curious about the newcomers. A little bird, its feathers a dazzling array of iridescent colors, fluttered gracefully through the air before landing on Adam's shoulder. The bird's presence seemed to add more magic to the enchanting atmosphere.
Adam, delighted by the feathered visitor, carefully broke off a piece of his sandwich and offered it to the bird. Just as he was about to take a bite himself, David's eyes widened with a mix of excitement and urgency.
"Adam, don't move! That's a Little Swift, a scarce bird. I need to get a picture!" David said, his voice tinged with seriousness as he fumbled for his camera.
Adam turned his head slightly, his face a picture of curiosity. "Mr. Bird, can my dad take a picture of you?" he asked with a touch of whimsical politeness.
The Little Swift tilted its head, its tiny beak opening in what seemed like a nod of approval. It fluffed its feathers slightly, giving the impression that it was posing for the perfect shot. With a smile, Adam held still, allowing David to capture the moment—a rare bird perched on his son's shoulder, a symbol of the unexpected beauty that had graced their picnic.
As the Kilter family continued to enjoy the serene atmosphere, the forest seemed to grow even more alive. From the trees emerged a variety of creatures: chattering squirrels, melodious birds, and even a bear, all drawn by the warmth and peace radiating from the family's joyful gathering. The natural predators, however, remained at bay, as if the moment's harmony had lulled their instincts into a rare state of tranquility.
With the meal now finished, Adam's boundless energy began to bubble over. He looked around at his new animal friends with a gleam in his eye.
"Mom, Dad, can I play with my new friends?" Adam asked, his voice brimming with excitement.
Samantha glanced at David, who nodded in agreement. "Sure, sweetie. Just don't go too far, okay?" Samantha replied, her tone warm and encouraging.
"Okay, Mom!" Adam responded, already dashing off to join his new companions. His laughter echoed through the trees as he chased squirrels, hopped alongside the birds, and even engaged in a playful romp with the bear, who seemed to enjoy the light-hearted interaction as much as Adam did.
But then, without warning, the joyful atmosphere shifted. A sudden and eerie stillness fell over the forest. Every creature, from the tiniest squirrel to the imposing bear, froze in place, their eyes wide with alarm. The bear, sensing an impending danger, stood up abruptly, its usual playful demeanor replaced by a look of concern.
"Huh, what's wrong?" Adam asked, bewildered by the sudden change in the animals' behavior.
"She is here," the bear said tersely, its voice trembling with fear as it bolted off into the forest, followed by the other animals.
"Wait, who is here?" Adam shouted after them, but the creatures disappeared into the underbrush, leaving him alone.
The wind began to pick up, its gusts swirling around Adam with an almost tangible intensity. Struggling against the powerful currents, Adam squinted into the distance, trying to make out the source of the disturbance. The forest, once a haven of peace, now seemed to hold its breath in anticipation.
Through the swirling wind and haze, a figure emerged—a creature of striking majesty and power, moving with a speed that defied its size. The ground seemed to tremble beneath its hooves, which gleamed with a brass-like sheen. As the figure drew closer, Adam could see that it was a deer, but unlike any he had ever seen. It was colossal, its body as large as a bull, with muscles rippling beneath its sleek coat. Its golden antlers stretched skyward, each point glistening in the sunlight like a crown of pure light.
The deer's eyes were fierce, glowing with an intensity that sent a shiver down Adam's spine. It was a creature of legend, a being that commanded both awe and a touch of fear. The air around it crackled with strange energy as if the very forest was bowing to its presence.
Adam stood frozen, captivated by the sight of this magnificent creature. The world seemed to narrow to just the two of them—the boy and the beast—as the deer drew nearer. The forest had retreated, its inhabitants fleeing before the sheer power of the deer's arrival. Adam couldn't help but wonder who—or what—this creature was, and why its presence had sent the entire forest into a state of alarm.
Adam's instincts flared as the world seemed to slow around him. A primal sense of danger surged through his veins, urging him to move. Without a second thought, he leaped to the side, his feet barely touching the ground as a blur of motion swept past him. The rush of wind that followed left him breathless, the sheer force of it knocking him off balance. A split second later, and he would have been obliterated where he stood.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" Adam shouted, his voice echoing through the trees, frustration evident in his tone. He turned to catch a glimpse of the creature that had nearly mowed him down, but all he could see was a flash of golden antlers disappearing into the distance.
The deer—no, not just any deer—was far beyond the reach of a mortal's reproach. She was divine, her very presence a testament to her celestial origins. This was no ordinary stag but the fabled Ceryneian Hind, a creature of legend bound to Lady Artemis herself. Swift as the wind and elusive as a shadow, she was said to be one of the fastest beings in all of mythology, a symbol of grace and untamed power. The creatures of the forest, wise in their instincts, knew better than to stand in her way, scattering like leaves in a storm as she passed.
The Hind continued her light, effortless run through the forest, her hooves barely touching the earth as she moved. Each step was precise, and every motion was a dance with the wind. She was a creature of unparalleled speed, her movements fluid and almost imperceptible to the untrained eye. The forest seemed to bow before her, the trees parting, the air itself making way for her passage. After her brief run, she slowed to a halt near a tranquil lake, its waters as clear as polished crystal. Lowering her head, she dipped her delicate muzzle into the water, sipping gracefully, the ripples spreading outward in perfect circles.
"Hey! Get back here, Mr. Stag!" A voice rang out from behind her, breaking the serene moment.
The Hind lifted her head sharply, her ears twitching in irritation. That voice—it was that human from before. She turned slightly, catching sight of the boy who had dared to address her with such a lack of reverence. And to make matters worse, he had the gall to call her a stag! How utterly uncouth.
She narrowed her eyes, a low snort escaping her nostrils as she regarded Adam with a mixture of disdain and curiosity. Mortals were usually too slow, too insignificant to catch her attention. Yet here he was, not only unscathed but bold enough to chase after her. There was something different about this one—something intriguing.
The Hind took a step forward, her golden antlers catching the sunlight, sending shimmering beams of light dancing across the surface of the lake. She could feel the pulse of the forest, and the whispers of the trees, all speaking of the boy's strange aura. There was magic in him, ancient and raw, something that piqued her interest despite her initial irritation.
Adam, undeterred by the Hind's imposing presence, took a step closer. His heart pounded in his chest, but there was no fear, only a burning curiosity and a sense of challenge. "Hey, I'm talking to you! You almost knocked me over!" he called out, his voice unwavering.
The Hind regarded him with a steady gaze, her large, intelligent eyes reflecting the boy's determined expression. A part of her wanted to vanish into the forest, to leave this strange encounter behind. But another part of her—the part that enjoyed a good chase—found the idea of testing this human's resolve rather amusing.
She took another step forward, her hooves barely making a sound against the soft earth. Then, with a sudden burst of speed, she dashed to the side, circling Adam in a blur of motion. Her movements were a blur, and within moments, she had positioned herself directly behind him, her breath warm against the back of his neck.
Adam spun around, wide-eyed, only to find the Hind staring at him from an uncomfortably close distance. There was a glimmer of challenge in her eyes, a silent dare for him to keep up.
"Whoa… you're fast," Adam breathed, a grin spreading across his face despite the tension.
The Hind snorted softly, a sound that could almost be mistaken for a chuckle. She stepped back, her posture elegant and poised, waiting to see what the boy would do next.
For the first time in ages, the Ceryneian Hind felt a stir of excitement, a break from the monotony of her endless runs. This encounter was proving to be more interesting than she had anticipated. With a flick of her tail and a playful glint in her eye, she turned and began to trot away, her pace leisurely, yet still faster than most could follow.
Adam, catching the unspoken invitation, grinned and took off after her, his laughter echoing through the trees. The chase was on, and the forest, usually so quiet and still, was filled with the sounds of footsteps, laughter, and the whispering of ancient leaves.
The chase began with a burst of energy that sent Adam hurtling forward. The Ceryneian Hind, ever the elusive trickster, had already vanished in the blink of an eye, her golden antlers barely a glimmer in the distance. But Adam was nothing if not determined—impossible odds were practically his middle name. With a fire in his eyes and a grin that teetered between excitement and insanity, he bolted in the general direction of his elusive playmate.
"I've got this," Adam muttered to himself, the kind of confidence one has when ignoring all the obvious facts—like how this deer could probably outrun him while reading a novel.
Already out of sight, Adam had to rely on his heightened senses. He flared his nostrils like a bloodhound, sniffing the air dramatically. "I can smell you, Cerny!" he declared, as if he had years of wilderness tracking experience under his belt, when in fact, his closest reference was a failed hide-and-seek game with squirrels last summer.
Crack.
A faint sound reached his left ear. His head whipped toward the noise with the precision of someone who just heard the last cookie being snatched from the jar. For a brief, tantalizing moment, he caught the golden gleam of her antlers reflecting the sunlight. His heart raced. "Oh, you're mine now!"
Fueled by sheer determination and probably a dash of delusion, Adam tore off in her direction, pumping his legs like a kid running toward an ice cream truck. The Hind, seemingly amused by his efforts, allowed him to get close—dangerously close. There she stood, perfectly still, as if waiting for him. Adam's eyes widened with triumph. This was it!
"I GOT YOU!" he roared, leaping forward like a triumphant superhero, arms outstretched, fully committing to the moment.
Thud.
The ground welcomed him like an old friend. Adam lay sprawled out on the forest floor, a tangled heap of confusion. "Wha—?" His mind raced, trying to process how he had gone from victory to defeat so quickly. He had her,right there! How could she—
Suddenly, a pressure on his backside answered the question. He craned his neck just enough to spot two dainty hooves, glowing with the same golden light he had chased, gently planted on his behind. There, in all her smug glory, stood the Ceryneian Hind, her posture as elegant as ever, her eyes brimming with a haughty amusement that would make even the most mischievous raccoon look humble.
"You'll have to try harder than that, boy," she said, her melodic voice dripping with pride and mischief. The tone was playful, but her smirk—oh, that smirk—was the stuff of legends. She could practically hear the theme music of her victory playing in the background.
Adam, still face-down in the dirt, could only blink in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered under his breath, already plotting his next move.
Before he could gather his wits, the Hind flicked her tail and, with an effortless gallop, dashed off again, leaving nothing but a puff of dust and the faintest shimmer of gold in her wake. Adam lay there for a moment, staring up at the canopy of leaves above him, trying to decide whether to laugh, cry, or maybe do both at the same time.
Pushing himself up, he brushed the dirt from his clothes with an exaggerated sigh. "Okay, lesson learned: Legendary deer don't play fair." He stood up, shook his head, and cracked his knuckles. "Round two it is, then." He grinned, the spark of challenge reigniting in his eyes.
From somewhere deeper in the woods, the faintest sound of hooves echoed through the trees, almost as if the Hind was daring him to come again. Adam, ever the optimist, wiped his brow and set off once more because if there was one thing he was not, it was a quitter.
Adam darted after the Ceryneian Hind, his legs pumping faster than they ever had before. He was fueled by pure adrenaline, his heart racing in his chest. The thrill of the chase surged through him, but no matter how hard he pushed himself, the gap between him and the mythical deer remained constant—always just a few feet out of reach. It was as if she was toying with him, letting him get close enough to hope, but far enough to stay just beyond his grasp.
The chase led them deeper into the forest, where the trees began to form a strange, almost labyrinthine corridor. Six openings were neatly spaced in two rows of three, like doorways to a realm of confusion. The Ceryneian Hind, without missing a beat, veered gracefully into the middle opening on the left. Adam determined not to lose sight of her, followed by a dramatic leap through the same entrance.
For a split second, he thought he had her. But when he emerged on the other side, he found himself staring at her golden antlers once more—this time, however, she was galloping out of the topmost right opening. "Wait, what?!" Adam shouted, bewildered, as he bolted after her again.
They vanished into the top left opening in unison, only to reappear from the lower left, as if the forest itself was playing tricks on him. The Ceryneian Hind was always a step ahead, effortlessly gliding through the maze of trees while Adam clumsily stumbled after her, eyes wide with confusion.
Their movements became even more bizarre: from the lower right opening, they disappeared, only to pop back into existence through the middle left. But this time, Adam was no longer chasing the Hind—instead, the Hind was chasinghim. "Why am I running from a deer?!" Adam screamed internally, his mind a mess of tangled thoughts as he raced into the middle right opening.
"I'm so confused!" Adam shouted, waving his arms in frustration as they reemerged from different exits yet again. His voice echoed off the trees as though mocking his plight. This had to be a prank. Surely, the universe itself was in on this joke.
They both appeared from the top left and top right openings at the same time, skidding to a halt just inches from crashing into each other. They froze, standing awkwardly in the corridor of trees, blinking at one another. The Ceryneian Hind tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement. Adam could swear he saw the faintest twitch of a smirk cross her otherwise regal face.
He opened his mouth, about to say something—anything—to make sense of the ridiculous situation, but before he could get a word out, the Hind trotted off again, darting out of the corridor entirely. "Oh, comeon!" Adam yelled after her, stomping his foot in mock protest.
With a heavy sigh and a thoroughly discombobulated expression, Adam dashed after her once more, running with all the enthusiasm of someone who knew they were doomed to fail but just couldn't give up. "Why did I even think I could catch her?" he muttered to himself as he sprinted through the trees. "It's like playing tag with a god… wait, no, that's exactly what this is!"
As he left the bizarre corridor behind, the forest opened up again into a wide clearing, the air fresh and still buzzing with the energy of their chase. There she stood, Cerny, at the far edge of the clearing, her radiant form shimmering under the sunlight, taunting him with her mere presence. She pawed at the ground playfully, as if inviting him to give it another go.
The Ceryneian Hind gave a soft snort, her body language oozing smugness as if to say,Good luck, kid.
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Adam muttered under his breath. With a mischievous grin, he steeled himself for the next round of their never-ending game of tag, ready to face whatever absurd twist came next.
The Ceryneian Hind darted away from a panting, exhausted Adam, her hooves barely touching the ground as she moved with effortless grace. Adam, hands on his knees, gulped in air as he stared at the elusive figure getting smaller by the second. "There's got to be a way to catch her… think, Adam, think!" he muttered under his breath, trying to recall anything useful from his training. Then, like a flash of lightning, a memory surfaced.
"What did Fenrir say about catching tricky prey?"
He squinted, forcing himself to focus."We wolves hunt in packs to make up for each other's weaknesses. Some of us chase while others sneak around, cutting off escape routes, caging the prey in,"Fenrir's words echoed in his mind.
"Cage... CAGE!" Adam's eyes lit up, a spark of inspiration igniting within him. "I've got it!" He straightened up, grinning like a madman. Without wasting another second, he cupped his hands around his mouth and bellowed, "CREATURES OF THE FOREST, I NEED YOUR HELP!"
His voice echoed through the trees, carrying far beyond where he stood. Silence followed for a heartbeat, then the rustling of leaves grew louder. One by one, the friends he made during the picnic—the squirrels, birds, even a fox—emerged from the underbrush, gathering around him. Adam beamed at the sight, his confidence swelling.
"I have a plan," he announced, his voice brimming with energy, a cocksure grin plastered on his face.
The Ceryneian Hind stood still, her ears twitching as she listened to the quiet forest. Not a single sound disturbed the tranquility. The usual chattering of birds and the scampering of small animals had vanished. "Did the boy finally give up?" she mused aloud, a hint of disappointment in her voice. It wasn't often she found mortals with enough endurance or stubbornness to last this long.
Crack.
A twig snapped behind her, and she whipped around to see Adam, his body covered in dirt and leaves, his clothes disheveled but his eyes alight with determination.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that. Round three is mine!" Adam declared, a wild grin spreading across his face.
The Ceryneian Hind felt a flicker of amusement.This boy,she thought, a smile creeping across her lips,is full of surprises.With a flick of her tail, she darted off again, her hooves barely touching the ground as she sped away. Adam, despite his exhaustion, immediately gave chase, his legs burning but his resolve stronger than ever. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes now—a spark of something unpredictable.
For several minutes, they weaved through the trees, the chase carrying them into a slightly uneven part of the forest where the ground sloped and rocks jutted out. The Ceryneian Hind glanced over her shoulder, expecting to see Adam flagging behind, but to her surprise, the boy was still on her tail, sweating heavily but with a grin that never left his face.
What is he planning?she wondered, momentarily caught off guard by his relentless pursuit. That was when she heard it.
"NOW!" Adam roared with everything he had.
The Hinds snapped her head forward, her eyes widening. A thick vine had appeared in her path, hidden beneath the leaves and underbrush. It was too late to dodge—her momentum carried her straight into it, and she stumbled, her legs tangling as she tripped and crashed to the ground.
Before she could even recover, she felt the earth shift beneath her. A ditch had been dug—Adam's animal companions had prepared it for this exact moment. As she struggled to regain her balance, Adam seized the opportunity. With every last ounce of his strength, he leaped towards her, shouting, "I GOT YOU!" The words tore from his throat with unbridled joy and determination.
One foot away.
Six inches.
Three inches.
One inch.
Crash!
A cloud of dust exploded into the air as Adam collided with the Ceryneian Hind, sending dirt and leaves flying in every direction. The animals gathered around the scene, their eyes wide with anticipation as they peered through the haze of dust, eager to see if their plan had worked.
As the dust began to settle, the sight that greeted them was nothing short of comical. There, in the middle of the clearing, was Adam—arms wrapped tightly around the majestic deer, his face pressed into her soft fur. The Ceryneian Hind stood there, blinking, a mix of shock and amusement crossing her usually serene features. She had never, in all her years, been caught like this.
Adam, still clinging to her, grinned from ear to ear, despite his disheveled appearance. He was covered in dirt, his hair sticking out in all directions, but the pride in his voice was unmistakable as he declared, "This… huff… is my win."
The Hind, still processing what had just happened, let out a small, melodic chuckle.Perhaps the boy deserved this victory after all.
As Adam and the Ceryneian Hind climbed out of the man-made ditch, brushing off the dirt and leaves clinging to them, a sudden noise echoed from the distance.
Whoosh.
Adam's instincts flared, a warning blaring in his mind. Without thinking, he grabbed the Hind by the shoulder and leaped to the side, pulling her along just in time.
Thunk.
A sharp whistle followed by a dull thud drew Adam's attention to the spot where they had stood moments earlier. An arrow, quivering in the ground, was buried deep into the earth. Adam's pulse quickened, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the forest. Then, the unmistakable sound of a bowstring being drawn tight filled the air, followed by a voice—sharp, authoritative, and coming from the trees above.
"Mortal, release the Hind at once, or I'll make you my next practice target," the voice called down, cold and precise.
Adam squinted toward the treetops. There, perched on a high branch like a predator stalking its prey, was a woman. She had striking yellowish hair with green tips, feline ears perched atop her head, and a matching yellow tail swishing behind her. Her body was athletic, dressed in a teal and black dress with a short skirt, and a bow clutched firmly in her hand. Her stance screamed danger, yet her eyes gleamed with an intensity that told Adam this was no ordinary hunter.
This was Atlante, one of Artemis's most renowned Huntresses—a protector of children, fierce in combat, and unyielding in her duty.
"I won't repeat myself, boy. Leave the Hind, or you'll find my next arrow aimed at your throat," Atlante growled, her voice dripping with irritation.
Adam slowly released his grip on the Hind and raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Whoa, hey, no need for violence. Cerny and I were just playing. I had no idea this was Artemis's sacred forest."
Atlante's eyes remained narrowed, bowstring still taut. "This isn't my territory, boy—this is Artemis's Great Forest, a domain where mortals, especially men, are forbidden—" she paused mid-sentence, squinting as she got a better look at Adam.
Her tail flicked with sudden realization. "You're... you're achild?" Her voice faltered, and her bowstring slackened. The cold, predatory glare faded, replaced by the shock of almost having shot a boy—one of the very innocents she was sworn to protect.
Atlante stood frozen, bow slowly lowering, her face pale. The realization of what she'd almost done struck her like a tidal wave.
Before she could gather her thoughts, the Ceryneian Hind stepped protectively in front of Adam, shielding him from Atlante's gaze. The Huntress blinked, too stunned to move. Then, from the treetops, a serene yet commanding voice descended.
"Atlante, my Huntress, put your bow down at once." The voice was melodic, carrying an authority that demanded instant obedience. From the sky descended a figure clad in flowing green robes, a hood adorned with antlers casting an ethereal glow about her. Her attire was laced with crescent moons, marking her divinity unmistakably.
It was Artemis herself—the goddess of the moon, the hunt, nature, and the protector of children. Her presence made the entire forest seem to bow in reverence.
"Did you enjoy your game, my little deerlet?" Artemis asked, her voice soft as she addressed the Ceryneian Hind. The deer trotted toward her goddess, nuzzling her face affectionately into Artemis's hand.
Artemis smiled down at her sacred creature before turning her gaze to Adam, who stood nervously shifting his weight from foot to foot. "You've done exceptionally well, child," the goddess said, her voice warm with approval. "Not since the days of mighty Heracles has someone managed to non-violently hunt my sacred deer. And even then, it took him a year to succeed." She glanced toward the pit Adam had set. "To devise such a clever trap—well, that is something quite extraordinary."
Adam grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "It was nothing. I just, uh, had some help from my friends." The animals who had aided in his plan peered out from the surrounding bushes and trees, their eyes gleaming with pride.
Artemis's expression softened further as she studied Adam. "You possess a natural gift, child—one that not many can claim. However, the next time you find yourself hunting, perhaps you should learn the art ofnotbeing seen."
Adam perked up, his curiosity piqued. "Not being seen? You mean, like... camouflage?" he asked eagerly.
Artemis nodded. "Exactly. One of the key skills in the hunt is blending into your surroundings, becoming one with the forest so that even the sharpest eyes cannot detect you."
Adam's eyes gleamed with excitement as he turned toward Atlante, who had now composed herself. "Atlante! You're a Huntress, right? Can you teach me how to do that? I mean, I'm pretty good at running and chasing, but being invisible? That sounds awesome!"
Atlante blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. She had just been about to reprimand him for trespassing, but now this child was asking for lessons? Her ears twitched in irritation, but there was a small flicker of respect in her eyes.
"You wantmeto teach you the art of camouflage?" she asked, incredulous.
Adam nodded vigorously. "Yeah! You're a Huntress, and I figured if I can't outrun something like Cerny, maybe I can sneak up on her next time. What do you say?"
Atlante paused, her eyes flicking to Artemis, who gave a small nod of approval. She sighed, lowering her bow completely. "Fine. But if you're going to learn from me, you better be prepared for somerealtraining. None of this playful nonsense."
Adam's grin widened. "Deal! I'll be the sneakiest person you've ever seen!"
As the two began discussing the details of his training, Artemis looked on, amusement dancing in her eyes. There was something about this boy—his boundless energy, his determination—that reminded her of the heroes of old. Perhaps, in time, Adam would grow to be someone truly remarkable.