The Duke's study was usually as cold as a meat locker. But today, the atmosphere was different. Zarius sat behind his desk. But he wasn't weighed down by the curse the way he normally was. No, he looked... remarkably alive.
Elios and Flio stood like twin statues of disbelief just a few paces away. Their eyes kept darting toward the Duke, scanning for the tell-tale signs of the curse, the pale skin, the trembling hands, the hollowing of the cheeks, but they found none of it. Instead, they found a man who looked like he could personally wrestle a frost-giant and win.
"Thank the Heavens," Elios said, his voice uncharacteristically thick with relief. "We know we can count on you, Lord Cherion."
Flio adjusted his spectacles. "Lord Cheriony, your healing magic is incredible."
"Right?"
