The blue pills had worked like a charm, allowing Darius to freely revert to his true form.
The Archduke, now in his adult state, sat in a massive chair. An aura of dominance radiated from him, pressing against everyone in the room.
"Where is he?" His voice was calm, almost detached, but the tension in his jaw betrayed the quiet facade.
No one in the room dared to take his words lightly. How could they, when the very healer entrusted to their care had been abducted right under their noses?
"Did I not instruct you to protect him?"
This time, Darius' question was directed at Berry. The old man, though seasoned by years of service, felt a cold sweat trail down his back.
"I apologize for my negligence," Berry bowed his bald head. His long, gray beard brushed against his knees as he added, "I should have been more vigilant."
Berry had been handling the herbs as directed by Xion. He needed to give them to the neighbor's shop.