The silence after Elyria's words seemed to devour the room whole. Even the ticking clock from earlier had gone still, as if time itself was stunned.
Auren blinked, his lips parting slightly.
"Duke Draven?" he repeated under his breath. The name rolled out slowly, as though he needed to hear it to believe it.
He stared at Rin, whose calm expression didn't match the tension filling the air. His gaze shifted between Elyria and Rin... mother and son... and realization struck him like lightning.
He suddenly remembered Rhys Edward Draven.
Rhys was the second Duke of the Elarion kingdom. He had died nearly three decades ago in a fire. The man was known for his knowledge and cold demeanor and mysterious past. And now, standing before him was Edward's son.
Rin Draven.
The boy he'd wanted to adopt.
The Marquess leaned back slightly, letting out a long breath.
