chapter 90 lara unexpected delay

Lara's Unexpected Reward

Kaelith remained composed, his expression unreadable as he stood before Lara, waiting for her response. The flickering light from the chandelier cast long shadows across the richly decorated chamber, adding an air of mystery to their exchange.

Lara leaned back in her chair, sipping her wine, her eyes filled with amusement as she observed him.

> "I must admit, Kaelith, you completed this task far faster than I anticipated."

She set her glass down, tapping her manicured nails against the polished wooden table. The room was silent except for the occasional crackle of the fireplace in the corner.

> "I had prepared a fitting reward, but unfortunately, it has not yet arrived."

Kaelith raised an eyebrow, feigning indifference.

> "I see. Then I shall return tomorrow."

Lara chuckled softly, the sound carrying a certain warmth.

> "Oh, you're in such a hurry to leave?"

Before Kaelith could respond, she suddenly stood up, stepping forward with slow, deliberate grace. The scent of exotic perfume lingered in the air as she closed the small distance between them.

Kaelith felt his muscles tense ever so slightly as Lara's hand gently cupped his chin, tilting his face just enough to meet her gaze directly.

A knowing smirk played on her lips.

Then—without a single word—she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

Kaelith froze.

His mind, sharp as ever, failed to process what had just happened for a split second. His usual calculated demeanor cracked, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks.

Lara pulled back slowly, her smirk deepening as she studied his reaction.

> "Consider that a small gift for now," she teased, amusement dancing in her golden eyes.

Kaelith quickly regained his composure, though the warmth on his face lingered.

> "Madam Lara, I didn't take you for someone who mixes business with pleasure."

Lara simply laughed, reaching into her desk drawer.

> "Oh, Kaelith, don't overthink it."

She pulled out a small black pouch and tossed it toward him. Kaelith caught it mid-air with ease, the faint sound of clinking crystals reaching his ears.

> "For now, take these—ten Skill Stones. Consider it a down payment. Come back tomorrow for the real reward."

Kaelith opened the pouch slightly, confirming the precious Skill Stones inside. These stones were highly valuable, capable of enhancing skills beyond normal training limits.

> "A generous gift," he acknowledged, looking up at her.

Lara smiled, waving a hand dismissively.

> "Think of it as an investment. Now, don't keep me waiting too long, Kaelith. I expect to see you tomorrow."

Kaelith nodded before stepping back, turning toward the door.

As he walked away, his mind was already racing—not just about the upcoming reward, but about Lara herself.

> "She's dangerous."

Yet, at the same time…

> "She's interesting."

With that thought lingering, Kaelith stepped into the night, the cool air doing little to cool the warmth still lingering on his cheek.

Lara's Thoughts: The Taming of Kaelith

As the heavy doors of her chamber closed behind Kaelith, Lara remained seated, her golden eyes gleaming in the dim candlelight. She let out a slow exhale, swirling the deep red wine in her crystal goblet, watching the liquid move in hypnotic circles. The faintest smirk tugged at the corners of her lips as she recalled the moment she had pressed her lips against his cheek.

The slight stiffening of his posture, the brief but unmistakable flush of color on his face—it had been adorable.

She chuckled softly, resting her chin against her gloved hand, her fingers tapping against her cheek.

> "Interesting… You're far more composed than the typical men who seek my favor, yet even you aren't completely immune to me."

Her voice was a whisper to herself, a note of satisfaction lacing her words.

Kaelith was proving to be an enigma, and Lara loved nothing more than a puzzle to unravel.

Most men who worked under her influence were easily swayed—either by wealth, by fear, or by lust. They groveled, desperate for approval, eager to prove their worth for even the slightest chance at her recognition.

But Kaelith?

He was different.

> "Cunning. Calculated. Amusing."

She lifted the wine glass to her lips, taking a slow sip, allowing the rich taste to linger on her tongue.

He was a man who understood power—who played the game with subtlety and precision rather than reckless ambition. A rare find.

Still, he had weaknesses.

Despite his sharp mind, despite his caution—he had blushed.

That meant something.

She leaned back into her plush velvet chair, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the implications.

> "You act as if you are above influence, Kaelith, but even you are still a man."

A slow, sly smile stretched across her lips.

> "And men like you… I've tamed before."

She had seen it happen time and time again—a free-spirited man, someone who believed himself to be untouchable, slowly falling into her grasp.

A little praise. A little recognition.

A few well-timed rewards and gentle manipulations.

And before they even realized it—they belonged to her.

Her fingers traced the rim of her wine glass as a low chuckle escaped her lips.

Kaelith thought he was playing his own game.

How amusing.

> "You don't even realize it yet, do you?"

Her voice was a sultry whisper, almost affectionate in its amusement.

> "You've already taken the first step into my web."

She sighed dramatically, as if pitying his ignorance, before setting her glass down with an elegant clink.

The candlelight flickered, casting shifting golden reflections across her jewelry. She reached for a delicate dagger on the table beside her, running a finger along its sharp edge.

> "There's no need to rush," she mused, tilting her head. "I have time. You will come to me willingly soon enough."

And when he did—when he finally realized there was no escaping her grasp—she would ensure that he belonged to her completely.

Lara let out a soft hum, her smirk deepening.

She had already made up her mind.

> "Until then, Kaelith… I will take very, very good care of you."

Her maniacal laughter echoed through the chamber, ringing with amusement, with confidence, and with something far more dangerous—certainty.