Death was an awkward topic of conversation. It always had been.
People preferred silence over sharing the weight of their trauma—especially with strangers. Unless there was some degree of trust or familiarity, no one wanted to talk about loss.
And pressing for details?
That could come off as rude… and painfully insensitive.
Especially when it involved someone's mother.
Damon kept his face impassive, expression locked in neutral stillness. He hoped the topic would fade with his single-word answer.
He didn't mind answering questions—but being dissected for answers…?
That hit too close to home.
It dragged up the worst parts of his childhood.
Still… the Grand Duke's expression remained heavy.
Unmoving.
Damon felt the powerful weight of that gaze again, then heard the next question, softer—almost hesitant.
"H…how did she die?"
Evangeline stiffened. Her complexion paled.
She recognized that look on Damon's face. He wore it when he was just about out of patience.
