[A/N: One Bonus Chapter Coming Today!]
The study felt suffocating, like the walls were closing in with every second that passed. The clock on the far wall ticked loudly, the only sound in the otherwise silent room.
James felt as though every tick was counting down to his doom.
Marcellus, the Imperial Investigator, sat in his chair like a stone statue. His cold, piercing gaze was fixed on James, his eyes filled with curiosity but also suspicion.
It was the kind of look that made your stomach twist into knots, like he could see straight through you.
James sat across from him, stiff as a board, his mind racing as he tried to keep his expression neutral.
Next to them, Caylus, his father, sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. He looked tired, like this entire situation was draining the last bit of energy he had.
For a moment, no one spoke. The tension was so thick it felt like the air had turned to lead. Then, Marcellus finally moved.
