"Weak."
That single word left Edward's mouth without any effort. His gaze locked onto the Duke's killing intent, unflinching and calm, as if the presence of the domain meant nothing at all.
"What?" the Duke asked, genuine surprise breaking through his rage. His eyebrows went up as he glared down at Edward. "You must be foolish, then. My domain is—"
"Copied," Edward interrupted casually.
The word landed hard.
For a brief moment, the Duke's expression froze. His pupils shrank, and the air around him rippled slightly as his emotions slightly slipped through his control.
It was the way Edward had said it, so plain and casual, that made it sting. The Duke knew Edward was right. He understood that much clearly. But even so, it did not change the facts of the situation. Copied or not, a domain was still a domain. Within its borders, it represented absolute authority and overwhelming power. And Edward was still trapped inside it, with nowhere to escape.
