Chapter 23: "Sera, welcome back."
(Seraphina Blackwood's POV)
I reached out to show Franklyn the redness on my hand. "Look, my hand is all red."
The skin across my knuckles had turned a bright pink from the impact. It stung slightly, but the satisfaction of putting Elara in her place made it worthwhile.
Franklyn seriously examined my hand, his expression earnest. "Oh no, if Master finds out about this, he'll definitely give me a beating."
His voice carried genuine concern as he gently turned my hand to inspect the damage. "Your hands are so precious."
Franklyn's exaggerated reaction made me want to laugh. He was always so dramatic when it came to protecting his fellow apprentices.
Behind us, I could hear Elara's sharp intake of breath. Her expression showed increasing jealous
