child-friendly? what's that?

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as instructed, and allowed his mother’s voice to guide his thoughts.

In his mind’s eye, he envisioned a coyote, larger and more menacing than any small prey animal he had faced. The image was vivid, taken from memory of his mother pointing one of them out on a walk; its snarling maw and piercing eyes a challenge he could not ignore. He could feel his muscles tense, his heart rate quicken, as he imagined the confrontation.

When Absinth’s voice rang out, commanding them to fight with every ounce of strength and cunning, Ludovic’s resolve hardened. He pictured himself not just standing his ground but outmaneuvering the coyote, using the environment, his agility, and his intellect to gain the upper hand. The idea of employing dirty tricks, of being relentless, appealed to his cunning nature.

Opening his eyes, he met Absinth’s intense gaze with youthful determination. Her emerald eyes, now holding that dangerous softness, mirrored the resolve he felt within. He gave a slight nod, acknowledging her teachings, and a small, fierce grin curved his lips.

ludoviciana