Vincent sighed.
He had anticipated this, but hearing the disappointment in her voice stung more than he cared to admit.
"The Sovereign summoned me," he explained, his tone calm but edged with weariness. "He wanted me to resolve the Ashborne Family's internal disputes. I thought… I thought it might mean the end of my punishment, but instead, he sent me away again. I only managed to visit because Mr. Mervyn helped me make an excuse."
Starla tilted her head, her brows furrowing. "Mervyn?" she repeated. "He helped you by… using Morgan?"
Vincent nodded, guilt flickering across his face.
Starla's expression softened, but only for a moment. Her voice dropped to a near whisper as she asked, "So what happens now? When Morgan leaves… will you leave too?"
The sadness in her tone was palpable, filling the space between them like a heavy fog.
Vincent's shoulders tensed, and he hesitated, searching for the right words.
