"Calm down."
The command was cold.
Absolute.
Luthier's entire body froze.
The Duke's voice had not been raised, but the sheer weight behind it sent an unmistakable message.
Slowly, Luthier realized what he was doing. His fingers loosened immediately as he took a step back, bowing his head in apology.
Duke Thaddeus exhaled through his nose, his golden eyes sharp as they flickered toward him. "Elaborate."
Luthier took a steadying breath, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves as he collected his thoughts. His hands no longer trembled with excitement, but his voice carried the weight of discovery as he began speaking.