Elias, still shaky and pale from his injuries, was helped up by the guards. He staggered to the side, his eyes lowered in sha and exhaustion. The Duke’s gaze lingered on him for a mont 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 movents stiff and hesitant. "F-Father..." he stamred, coming to a stop in the middle of the grand hall, right in the Duke’s line of sight.
The Duke’s eyes were sharp and unyielding, his expression carved from stone. "Ellory took a step forward," he began, his tone heavy with disappointnt and anger. "She pleaded. She begged for rcy—not for herself, but for Elias. She blad herself, admitted her fault...And you? You just stood there? Silent? Watching?"
Cyruz’s head hung low, his fists clenched. "I... I didn’t..."
"You didn’t what?!" the Duke roared, his voice shaking the walls of the hall. The maids and guards stiffened, so even lowering their heads to avoid his gaze. "You didn’t have the courage to speak? To stand up for your own actions? Or perhaps you thought hiding in the shadows would save you from accountability?"
"N-No, Father... I—" Cyruz tried to explain, but his voice cracked under the weight of his father’s glare.
"Ellory, your younger sister, showed more bravery than you!" the Duke spat, his hands clenched tightly behind his back. "Despite her wounds, she walked here and stood up for Elias. But you..." He shook his head, his expression darkening. "You sha the Dravenhart na with your cowardice."
Cyruz’s shoulders shook, his eyes burning with unshed tears. "I’m sorry..." he whispered, barely audible.
"Sorry?" the Duke repeated, his tone dripping with disdain. "Dravenharts do not just apologize. We take action. We stand by our family. We protect and take responsibility!" His voice softened just a bit, though his eyes remained sharp. "I expect better from you, Cyruz. Much better."
The room was deathly silent, the tension thick enough to cut. Cyruz nodded stiffly, his head still bowed. "Y-Yes, Father..." he whispered, barely managing to keep his voice steady.
The Duke exhaled sharply, his eyes never leaving Cyruz’s trembling form. "I want you to visit your sister," he commanded. "Apologize to her properly. And reflect on what it ans to carry the Dravenhart na."
Cyruz looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Visit her...?"
"Now!" the Duke thundered, causing Cyruz to flinch. Without another word, Cyruz bowed deeply and hurried out of the hall.
The Duke watched him go, his expression still hard but edged with sothing almost like regret. He let out a long breath before turning back to his advisors, his posture straightening once more. "Double the guards at every entrance. I want the estate on full alert," he commanded firmly. "We cannot afford another attack like this."
The guards nodded in unison, their expressions stern and focused as they left to fulfill his orders.The heavy wooden doors swung open once more. A woman with sharp eyes and a confident stride stepped inside. Her long coat was dusted with dirt, and her hair was slightly windswept from travel.
Without hesitation, she moved forward until she reached the middle of the hall and dropped to one knee, bowing her head respectfully.
"Seraphina," the Duke acknowledged, his gaze sharp and commanding. "You were in town during the attack. Report the situation."
Seraphina raised her head slightly, her eyes eting the Duke’s with unwavering resolve. "Father, the town suffered minimal damage. The guards were able to push back the goblins and wyverns with the assistance of so villagers. Casualties are low, but..." She hesitated, "There were so losses. A few buildings are damaged, and so civilians are injured."
The Duke’s expression darkened, his fists clenching behind his back. "Were there any breaches?"
Seraphina shook her head. "No, Your Grace. The walls held strong. The attack was swift but scattered, almost like they were searching for sothing..."
His eyes narrowed. "Searching?"
"Yes," she confird, nodding firmly. "The creatures seed disorganized. They attacked weak points but retreated almost instantly when resistance grew. It was unlike their usual tactics."
The Duke’s gaze flickered "And the cleanup?"
"Already in progress," Seraphina replied confidently. "The guards are handling it, and the injured are being treated. I’ve also sent word to the knights to increase patrols around the periter. If there’s another wave, we’ll be ready."
The Duke nodded approvingly. "Good. Make sure security is doubled. I don’t want any more surprises," he commanded firmly. "And keep watch on the western forest. I have a feeling this is far from over."
"Understood, Father" Seraphina replied, her eyes burning with determination. She stood up gracefully, saluting before stepping back.
The Duke’s gaze softened just slightly as he looked at Seraphina, pride flickering in his eyes. "You did well, Seraphina. Continue your duties," he said, his tone noticeably gentler. For a mont, the sternness in his expression faded, replaced by sothing almost fatherly. "And..." he hesitated before continuing, "are you unhard?"
Seraphina blinked, surprised by the concern in his voice. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, and she nodded. "I’m fine, Father. Just a bit of dust and a few scratches. Nothing serious," she replied confidently.
The Duke’s shoulders seed to relax slightly, and he gave a brief nod of approval. "Go and rest now, Seraphina. You have done enough for today. Leave the rest to the knights. They will handle the situation from here," he commanded firmly.
"But Father, I can still—"
"That is an order," the Duke cut her off, his voice unyielding. "I need you well and strong for what is to co. Rest now."
Seraphina hesitated for a mont, her eyes flickering with the desire to protest, but she bowed her head respectfully. "Yes, Father," she replied, her voice softening.
"Good. I will send soone to check on you shortly," the Duke added, a hint of concern still lingering in his tone.
"Thank you, Father," she said with a respectful bow, She turned and left the hall, her coat sweeping behind her as she disappeared beyond the doors.
The Duke stood there for a mont, deep in thought, his hands clasped behind his back. His eyes drifted to the closed curtains, "What were they looking for...?"
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