Flashback
22 years ago
"Aim straight for the head." His voice echoed in my ear, urging me to aim straight for the head. Fear gripped me, and I hesitated, unwilling to carry out his command.
"Am I raising a coward?" he questioned, disappointment lacing his words.
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fought the urge to let them fall. Showing weakness in front of him and his men was not an option.
"Why are you forcing me to do something I don't want to do?" I protested, my voice trembling.
With annoyance, he snapped, "You're a coward, just like your father." His words stung, igniting a fire of anger within me. "What had I learned from him, Damon Ares?"
The use of my full name intensified my guilt. I knew he was furious with me.
"Don't make me repeat myself, child," he warned, his voice f
