Marchioness answered quietly, her voice almost trembling. The single word froze the air in the room. Leon blinked in confusion, while Liv slowly straightened her posture.
"A curse?" Liv echoed softly. "What do you mean, Mother?"
The Marchioness stared at their reflections in the mirror before turning around. Her eyes were gentle, yet filled with something deeper—fear.
"The Zelthar bloodline doesn't carry power alone, my dear," she said slowly. "It carries a curse just as strong as its blessing."
Leon frowned. "What kind of curse?"
The Marchioness took a deep breath before she spoke again.
"Every Duke born of the Zelthar line has only one true bond—the woman chosen by his blood. If that woman is not his by purity, the blood will reject her. Not only will the bond shatter… but his life will begin to unravel."
Liv froze. "You mean… the Duke could die?"
