The next morning, Damian arrived at the prison shortly after having his breakfast.
Inside the cell, Elias was sitting in a dark corner, completely lost in time, unable to tell how many hours had passed since his arrest.
The moment the iron lock clicked open, he frantically scrambled forward, a hope rising within him that he might finally be granted his freedom.
But upon seeing the cold stature of the Duke stepping into the light, Elias instantly threw himself onto his knees, his voice cracking as he began to apologize. "Your Grace, I am being framed! It isn't true. I would never even think of hurting you, let alone poisoning you. Please, don't do this to me. You have to believe me!"
"Bring Aldrick inside," Damian said coldly, ignoring Elias's desperate pleas.
Maurice instructed the guard to do so, and within moments, a heavily chained Aldrick was shoved into the damp cell.
