"Is it proper for you to act like this in front of your daughter's savior?"
A tension that shifted.
Luca took a casual step forward, his presence unshaken, speaking as if this conversation was of no greater consequence than idle gossip in a noble's parlor.
"If that is how things are done," he continued, "then perhaps all that talk about the Thaddeus Duchy and the people of the sea being genuine and honorable is just that—talk."
The air coiled tight.
Even Luca could feel it now—the subtle shift in the storm surrounding Thaddeus.
Because that had landed.
That had struck deep.
Duke Thaddeus of the Eastern Seas was a man of unshakable will, of unquestionable might—but above all else, his name carried honor.
Luca had just called it into question.
The tension in the cavern sharpened.
And then—
A voice cut through the silence.
"Father."
Cold. Sharp.
Thaddeus' gaze flickered, moving away from Luca—
And onto Aeliana.
She stood firm.
Her body was whole. Her presence unbroken.
