Elias, still shaky and pale from his injuries, was helped up by the guards. He staggered to the side, his eyes lowered in shame and exhaustion. The Duke's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he turned back to Ellory. He watched as the maids carefully carried her away, her head resting against their shoulders, eyes fluttering with fatigue. Only when she was completely out of sight did the Duke's expression harden once more.
Straightening his posture, he raised his voice, "Cyruz Dravenhart!"
Cyruz, who had been standing among the line of guards and servants, visibly flinched. His eyes went wide with surprise before he quickly stepped forward, his movements stiff and hesitant. "F-Father..." he stammered, coming to a stop in the middle of the grand hall, right in the Duke's line of sight.
