Chapter 151: Once A Master
"What happened to Lara?"
Jethru strode in through the back door, his brow furrowed in concern. Sweat glistened on his wrinkled forehead, trickling down his temples, a testament to whatever arduous task had kept him occupied. His tunic, once pristine, was now smeared with dirt, especially along the hem, as if he had just come from the fields or a fight.
Lara and Alaric, seated on the wooden chairs, immediately stood to greet him. Their movements were synchronized as if they had a tacit understanding.
Before either could speak, the ever-chatty Reya piped up, her voice filled with worry.
"Grandpa, Miss has a large bruise on her arm—" She halted mid-sentence, catching the stern warning glance Lara shot her way.
Jethru wasted no time. In four swift steps, he was beside Lara. With careful yet urgent hands, he rolled up the sleeve of her right arm. His sharp gaze darkened at the sight of the bruise, the edges already fading but still visible. Deep creases marred his forehead as he wordlessly examined the injury. Without hesitation, he took her left arm and found the same dark marks—identical in shape, in pattern.
His expression turned to that of a father reprimanding a disobedient child. "You were attacked by a constrictor?" His voice carried both incredulity and reprimand. "How could you be so careless?"
Lara’s heart sank at the scolding.
"Grandpa," she addressed him, deliberately choosing the familial term instead of ’Master.’ "I nearly died, and you’re still chastising me?" A flicker of frustration crossed her face. "Do you even care how terrifying it was?"
"Miss..." Reya was shocked. "Miss... but you said it was nothing."
Jethru was dumbstruck when he saw the sadness in Lara’s eyes. Was she not joking? He had always known Lara to be strong—capable beyond most. But the sadness in her eyes unsettled him.