Kael didn't show it on his face, but inside, a curse rang through his thoughts.
Damn woman.
She wasn't just intelligent—she was relentless.
Elara leaned back slightly and said, almost casually,
"Okay. I believe you're not the Devil."
Kael didn't react. He knew she didn't believe it—not truly.
But that was fine.
As long as she wasn't certain, he still had room to maneuver.
Still, he needed to clear his name—soon. His mind was already weaving possibilities, strategies, escape routes—
But Elara interrupted his thoughts.
"So, what's your deal with the Devil, hmm?"
Kael looked at her calmly.
"I can't tell you," he said flatly. "Betraying him would get me killed."
Then he added, voice level,
"But you can rest assured—the deal is done. I became the Duke. That was the price."
She narrowed her eyes.
"So you killed your family to take the title?"
Kael didn't answer.
He only smiled.
Elara laughed—an amused, low sound.
"What an interesting fellow you are… I like it."
