Chapter 6: Leaving the Dukedom.
"No."
Darvin's voice rang through the office, sharp and unyielding.
He didn't even glance up from the document in his hand, his eyes fixed on the words as if Akamir wasn't there at all.
The Duke looked like a man who had aged years in a week.
An untrimmed beard shadowed his face, and his once-lustrous midnight-blue hair, cascading like a river of ink, now hung dull and lifeless.
Akamir tilted his head, confused. "Why not?"
"It's forbidden for nobles to live in Eldergrove," Darvin replied without looking up. "They don't call it a death sentence for nothing."
"But it's still part of our territory, isn't it?" Akamir's tone remained calm. "Can't I at least see what's there?"
"No." Darvin remained firm in his words. "I already told you. Going there is like giving away your life."
"I'm not asking for any help from the family."
Akamir's words made Darvin pause, falling into a moment of silence.