Chapter 4139: Teacher and Student (Part 2)

“Because my Featherlings treat me like both their grandmother and their teacher.” Salaark’s eyes narrowed in annoyance. “They ask for knowledge—they don’t demand it—and they accept it with gratitude when I give it.

“You, on the other hand, acted high and mighty just because you were my teacher,” she snarled. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten all your ‘casual’ remarks about the so-called god of Forgemastering being less knowledgeable than a ‘young genius woman.’

“Even after I finished my apprenticeship under you, Ripha, you treated me like a rival. And I don’t share secrets with rivals—especially smug, boastful ones who never let me forget I was once their student.”

“Gods… was I really that insufferable?” Menadion asked, stunned.

“You were,” Salaark said with a sigh. “But I didn’t hold it against you. None of the Guardians did. After Threin’s death—and with your relationship with Epphy falling apart—Forgemastering was all you had left.

“I didn’t resent you for your harshness, Ripha. But don’t expect me to reward it. There’s a difference between a good friend and someone who enjoys being punished.”