Chapter Two Hundred and Six
Markus didn't speak immediately. The words sat heavy on his tongue, like saying them would make them real. His eyes flicked to Ahmet, searching, almost cautious before he finally forced them out.
"Don't listen to him." His voice came out tighter than he intended. "My father would never do that."
Ahmet didn't respond. He didn't even look at him.
He just stood there, gaze lowered slightly, his jaw set, not in anger, not yet… but in something quieter. Something deeper. He was thinking.
Markus took a step closer. "Ahmet…"
"Why did he leave then?" The question didn't come from Ahmet. Demir's voice slid in, smooth, and deliberate. "Your father," he continued, shifting slightly in his restraints, "was spared. Ahmet's father couldn't bring himself to kill his own brother… so he banished him instead."
"Shut up!" Markus moved again, faster this time.
