The King Of Warriors novel (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5591

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"Lady Fiala," the general muttered, bobbing in an awkward bow, "these two scoundrels forced the city gate and injured my men. I, uh, took the liberty of binding them and bringing them here for your judgment."

A sheet of shadow rolled across Yuliana's face. The courtyard temperature seemed to plummet.

She strode forward and struck—one palm, then the other—each slap echoing like a hammer on bronze. The officer reeled, eyes spinning, palms pressed to burning cheeks.

"You reckless fool! Do you even know whom you dared to shackle? He is Mr. Jared Chance—savior of this kingdom. Touch him again and I will see you stripped of rank—and perhaps of life."

Color left the officer's face. Knees buckled, armor clanged, and he collapsed, a dark stain spreading across his trousers as terror overruled dignity.

"Mr. Chance, Lady Fiala, forgive me—I was blind, utterly blind. Please, spare this worthless life!"

Jared's name had long risen through level seven like sunrise—whispered in taverns, etched into military briefings. Aurelius himself had ordered every soldier to remember that name, for without Jared, Celestia might already lie in ruins.

Watching how miserable the man was, Jared felt a ripple of pity.

He lifted a hand. "Enough. Ignorance is fault enough; I will not add blood to it. Stand up, then remember humility, or next time mercy may be harder to find."

The officer fled, blessedly alive.

Yuliana turned back to Jared, violet eyes sparkling with unhidden delight, the fury already gone like breath on glass. "Jared, you're finally here! I have waited—counted dawns—hoping you would walk through those gates."

"Yuliana, I came to ask a favor. I need everything you know about the current clan leader of the celestials," Jared said with a smile.

"Not in the open—walls have ears. Come inside." She twined her fingers through his and guided him across polished tiles toward her room. Flaxseed, catching the mood, whistled softly and stationed himself outside the door like a lazy sentry.

Once inside, Yuliana pushed the cedar panels shut, the click of the latch sealing them from the murmuring palace corridors.

She faced Jared in the lamplight, desire and purpose mingling in the blaze of her gaze, as though he were both lost friend and long-awaited answer to a thousand unspoken prayers.