Kael’s POV
“You don’t know anything about my reputation,” I say, testing her conviction.
“I know you moved faster than three trained warriors could follow. You killed them like it was nothing.” Her eyes spark with what I want to say is admiration. “That’s enough for me.”
The fuzzy feeling in my chest intensifies. When nobles praise my skills, it’s always with an underlying fear, a careful distance. But Elara speaks of my lethal abilities like they’re something to be grateful for, not terrified of.
I take a bite of the boar meat to avoid responding, disturbed by how much her simple faith in me matters.
“We need to change your bandages,” Elara says, suddenly rummaging through her knapsack again. “The wound needs to stay clean while the poison works its way out.”
“I can manage it myself
