Chapter 292: The Pups’ Revenge
Three days after Mira had harshly disciplined the wolf pups, they were back on their feet—spirited, healthy, and bounding with renewed energy, as if nothing had happened.
That Saturday morning, after a brisk training session, Lara led the young wolves into the woods behind the Norse manor. The early light filtered through the canopy, dappling the forest floor with flickering patches of gold and green. Birds chirped overhead, and the scent of damp earth and moss lingered in the cool air. Sandoz, still in high spirits from another sleepover and early morning training, tagged along with Lara and his sister Reya. His mother, Linnea, walked quietly beside them, always watchful.
Unbeknownst to the small party, the Duke had discreetly assigned a few knights to observe them from a distance, their presence hidden among the trees—shadows with swords, guardians in silence.
As they entered the heart of the woods, Reya looked around at the sparse vegetation and slender trees with a soft sigh.
"Lady Lara," she murmured, "seeing this... I miss Ourea. I didn’t think I would, but I do."
"Me too, Sis," Sandoz said wistfully. His eyes scanned the forest with quiet longing. "Do you think Father would ever let me stay in Calma?"
Lara gave a sympathetic glance. "Not yet, Sandoz. Maybe not for a while."
Sandoz’s face fell into a pout, but his attention was quickly drawn away by the pups, who were joyfully leaping over fallen branches, tumbling and yipping. He giggled as Little Grey and Snow skidded into each other, tail over snout.
As the children played, Linnea approached Lara, her voice low but earnest. "Lady Lara, I truly thank you—for your guidance, and for teaching me how to defend myself. The servants who used to sneer at me now keep their distance. They could not bully me anymore.