The atmosphere inside the Duke's study froze completely.
The elegant tranquility that had filled the room only moments earlier was shattered by the sudden arrival of two uninvited guests, leaving behind a silence so profound that even the faint crackling of the fireplace seemed to hesitate.
Luca remained seated exactly where he was, one hand still lightly holding the warm porcelain teacup he had yet to finish. Across from him, the old Duke maintained the same composed posture, his own cup resting comfortably in his weathered hand as though nothing unusual had occurred.
Both pairs of eyes slowly turned toward the doorway.
Neither of them spoke.
The silence only made the situation feel more awkward.
Standing near the entrance, Aurelia finally became aware of the scene before her.
She had expected many possibilities during her frantic rush toward the study.
She had imagined Luca injured.
She had imagined the room in ruins.
