Making their way back
With a sharp breath, Duke Norish finally spoke "I… I cannot let the Norish family fall into the hands of another. I cannot sacrifice everything we have worked for all these years. Marcus…"
His eyes softened, filled with regret, but his voice hardened. "I am sorry, but I have no choice. The family comes first."
Marcus's face fell as if the ground had been ripped from beneath him. His father's words cut through him like a dagger.
"No, Father… please!" he begged, but his voice cracked in desperation, knowing the weight of his father's decision.
The Duke with his heavy heart, closed his eyes unable to look at his son any longer. The decision had been made, and there was no going back.
"You must face the consequences of your actions," he whispered, barely audible.
Julian's laughter echoed through the air, cold and mocking, as he turned toward the Duke of Norish.
"Wise choice, Duke of Norish," he said, his voice laced with amusement.