A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5263

Before Jared could answer, a guard sprinted back clutching an ornate jade vial.

Alice snatched it, uncorked the lid with reverence, and tipped a perfectly round tonic pill into her palm. A rich aura spilled into the night. “My friend, this is my prized tonic pill—swallow it and your injuries will knit in moments.”

Whispers rippled through the onlookers; few had ever glimpsed such a treasure, let alone seen it given away.

Jared glanced at the glowing pill, then toward Kishor.

Kishor offered a firm nod. “Accept it—she means you no harm.”

Jared murmured thanks, lifted the pill to his lips, and swallowed.

Warm, surging spiritual energy cascaded through his limbs, dulling pain and stitching torn flesh with startling speed.

“Better?” Alice asked, leaning forward like a mother hen, desperate for his approval.

“Much,” Jared replied. “Thank you, Madam Pudge.”

“Madam? Spare me the titles!” She waved a meaty hand. “A hero to Kishor is a friend to Alice Pudge.”

“From this day onward, anyone who dares trouble you in Swordmaster City will answer to me,” she added, thumping her chest with pride.

While Alice busied herself planning a feast, Jared saw his chance. He gave Kishor's sleeve a quick tug and nodded toward a shadowy hallway. Kishor caught on, gave a sheepish smile, and followed.

“Kishor,” Jared whispered, curiosity burning in his eyes, “what exactly is going on between you and Madam Pudge? She looks at you like a bride watching her groom.”

The big man stiffened as though pricked by a needle. His gaze drifted to the busy, broad-shouldered figure in the distance—guilt, helplessness, and a hidden ache colliding behind his eyes.

After a long silence, he exhaled, voice low and rasping. “It's a long story. She and I... grew up together.”

“Childhood sweethearts?” Jared's jaw dropped; the phrase clashed so violently with Alice's current image that his mind struggled to compute it.