Ashton strode through the shadowy stone hallway with Duke at his side, his face set in a mask of cold fury, barely able to contain the tempest of emotions raging within him. Flickering lights cast long, twisted shadows across his face, sharpening the contours and illuminating the storm of wrath in his eyes. His steps grew faster and more deliberate, every stride intensifying his resolve as he closed in on Jackson's cell. Duke, walking beside him with careful, measured steps, glanced at Ashton, feeling the tension that radiated off his master in pulsing waves.
"Sir," Duke ventured, his tone cautious, every word selected with the utmost care, "Mrs. Jackson has fully complied with the terms." He paused, gauging Ashton's reaction. "She’s abandoned her pleas to the authorities. She's been wait
