Chapter 375: The Way It Used To Be
Early the next morning, Lara arrived at Prince Alaric’s estate. Though the palace remained unfinished—its grand halls still echoing with the sounds of ongoing construction—Alaric had ensured that the essentials were complete. His private quarters, the drawing room, and a handful of chambers used for official matters stood polished and ready, a small oasis of order amid the sprawling chaos.
Lara had expected Sandoz to be waiting—and he did not disappoint. He stood at the main entrance like a sentinel, posture straight, arms relaxed at his sides. He wore a plain tunic and fitted trousers, simple garments that did not scream his status as the young heir of a dukedom but it did not diminish the aura that he exuded at such a young age - confidence. He was no longer the timid boy from two years ago.
His gaze was fixed on Lara, so attentive that he failed to notice the two large canines flanking her until it was too late.
In a blur of motion, both beasts lunged toward him. One had sleek, silvery-gray fur that rippled like liquid steel; the other was a majestic white, like freshly fallen snow under moonlight. The gray one collided with him first, knocking him flat on his back with a solid thud. Before he could recover, both animals were all over him, tails wagging wildly, tongues out, lavishing his face with eager licks.
"Hey—stop it!" Sandoz sputtered, laughing despite himself as he raised his hands to shield his face. But the dogs only shifted their attention, licking his hands now with the same joyful fervor, as if welcoming home a beloved friend long thought lost.
"Little Gray, stop it!" Sandoz barked in a commanding tone, his voice sharp with authority.
But the gray wolf wasn’t having it. A low, disgruntled growl rumbled in his throat—a deep, throaty sound of indignation. He clearly resented the nickname. He was no longer the awkward, oversized pup from two years ago. Now, he was a fully grown wolf, lean and powerful, with the confident bearing of a creature that knew his place in the world.
As if to drive the point home, Gray placed one heavy paw on Sandoz’s chest and reared up onto his hind legs, towering over him with undeniable presence.
"Gray, that’s enough," Lara said, her voice calm but firm. "You’ve made your point. Sandoz is just used to calling you that. It’s not meant to insult you."
Gray let out a soft, almost sulky whimper. With clear reluctance, he stepped down and padded away. Lara extended her hand to Sandoz, who took it with a grunt as she helped him to his feet.