Chapter 85: A Master's Claim, A Maid's Fury
Ethan's gaze lingered on Lirael's face, the way her eyes glimmered as she traced the curve of her new bow, fingertips brushing along the polished wood with reverence. A faint flush colored her cheeks—half awe, half pride.
"Admire it later," he said with a teasing smile. "Let's head to the guild. You'll need practice with that bow before the beast tide arrives."
Her fingers stilled. She looked up, the sparkle in her eyes dimming slightly. "So… we're really going to join the tide?"
"Of course," Ethan replied without hesitation, his voice calm but firm. "It's the best chance we'll get to temper ourselves. Nothing pushes growth like chaos."
She hesitated, her brows knitting. "It's not that I fear the fight… just—" her lips pressed into a thin line, "word about me must have spread already. Many saw me in that village. By now, someone must have fished out my trail. They'll come sooner or later."
