“What is wrong with Elliot lately?” Lindsay asked, her brows knit in genuine confusion. Once again, Elliot had called her over to discuss alchemy. Later, she returned and grumbled to Jared. “He was never this enthusiastic before…”
Jared’s smile was mild, almost amused. “Perhaps he truly cares for Your Highness.”
“Oh, spare me,” Lindsay huffed, rolling her bright eyes. “I can read him like a scroll. He sees us getting close and gets jealous. He’s so petty.” A playful glint flashed across her gaze. “Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, he won’t dare lay a finger on you. If he disturbs you again, please let me know. I’ll have Father set him straight.”
Jared chuckled under his breath. “Your protection is greatly appreciated, Your Highness. I can handle trifles.”
“Handle? How, exactly?” Lindsay asked, curiosity sharpening her tone. “Elliot’s cultivation level is at the Top Level Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Seven. Among Earthfire Pavilion’s young disciples, he is top three. You might be formidable, but your cultivation level…”
Lindsay did not continue, but her intentions were clear. Jared was only at Heavenly Immortal Realm Level One. Even though he was powerful, fighting with Elliot would not be easy.
“Rest assured, Your Highness,” Jared said calmly. “I know my limits…”
Two more days passed. The convoy had reached Flame Gorge. During a rest period, Jared and Lindsay were feeding Lucky a fire fruit when Elliot approached them.
“Lindsay, Elder Flameheart needs you. He wants to discuss entering the Flame Gorge,” Elliot said.
Lindsay frowned. “We discussed those plans an hour ago. What changed?”
“New intel surfaced,” Elliot replied.
With a reluctant sigh, Lindsay rose and said, “I’ll be back soon. Please look after Lucky.”
Elliot did not follow after Lindsay. Instead, he fixed Jared with a glare fierce enough to scorch stone. “Did my last warning never reach your ears?”
Jared gently smoothed Lucky’s mane and replied, “I remember your words, but the princess approached me first. Would you have me refuse to talk to Her Highness? If you object, perhaps tell Her Highness to stop talking to me.”
The words sounded civil, yet Jared’s tone was sarcastic. Elliot could not control Lindsay’s actions, so it was not Jared’s fault.
“Are you provoking me?” Elliot’s voice dropped.
“No, I wouldn’t dare.” Jared’s tone stayed even. “I simply state facts. And if we are finished here, Lucky needs his evening walk.” He patted Lucky’s head and turned on his heel to leave.
“Stay right there!” Elliot barked. A scorching aura locked onto Jared. “Don’t think you can act recklessly because of Her Highness’s fondness for you. I warn you for the last time. Stay away from Her Highness. Or else…”
“Or else what?” Jared halted, turning slowly. His gaze remained placid, yet an icy splinter flashed deep inside. “Are you going to attack me? Remember. Our mission is to guard Princess Lindsay and Elder Flameheart while they gather Flame Spirit Herbs. If a private feud wrecks the mission or costs a life, can you carry the blame?”
The reminder punched the heat from Elliot’s aura. He dared not risk Lindsay’s safety or Ferdinand’s fury. Moreover, Jared’s uncanny performance at the trials haunted him; although Elliot believed he could win a battle with Jared, he was not entirely confident.
“Sharp tongue!” Elliot growled, forced to swallow his rage. “Fine. When the mission ends, we’ll settle the score in the Earthfire Pavilion. We will see whether you are still this fearless.” After saying that, he hurled Jared one last glare, then strode off.
Jared watched Elliot and gave a small, weary shake of his head. Jealousy had robbed better men of judgment. So long as Elliot did not disturb his search for Jadeheart Marrow, Jared would ignore him. Yet if Elliot dared to hurt him, he would not hesitate to fight back.
Sensing his mood, Lucky rumbled softly and nudged Jared’s arm, a wordless pledge of companionship. Jared laughed and patted the beast. “Come on, let’s walk…”
The next day, the convoy finally reached the entrance of Flame Gorge.
