Chapter 5796

The two attendants blanched and backed away, their faces drained of color.

They knew Clara’s temper. She was brilliant, fiery, and freshly returned from years of tempering outside. She had yet to learn how terrifying this quiet guest could be.

Jared’s patience flickered in his eyes, a brief spark of annoyance breaking through the calm surface. He had never meant to spar with a young girl, yet her relentless challenge stoked a quiet flame within him.

As tension stretched taut as a drawn bow, a deep, commanding shout split the air beyond the courtyard wall.

“Clara, stand down!”

Before the echo faded, Linden strode into the courtyard, robes billowing, gaze sharp and unyielding.

“Mr. Chance, please forgive my daughter. She has roamed the wilds ten years beside her mentor and has only just returned. She has a bad temper. I beg your indulgence for any offense she caused.”