The uncle, Torv, belched loud enough to shake the table, wiping his mouth with a hairy arm. "Torv. Huntmaster. Kaela says you're all academy brats—how'd she meet you softskins?"
Arthur chuckled, leaning back.
"Ah, now that's a story."
Kaela's ears twitched, and her tail froze mid-sway.
"Arthur—NO!" She quickly sat up, eyes wide with panic.
Arthur grinned and lifted his mug.
"Well, let's see… Our mighty Kaela here—future warrior of the Wolf Tribe—got herself lost on her way to the Academy."
The table erupted into laughter.
"And that's not even the best part!" Arthur continued, relishing Kaela's growing embarrassment. "She ran into a scammer who convinced her to trade all her traveling money for a 'lucky charm'—which, by the way, was just a painted rock."
The laughter grew louder, and even Morrika, who had just taken her seat, let out an amused snort.
Kaela, her cheeks burning red, slammed her fist onto the table.
"I DIDN'T KNOW, OKAY?!"
