What shocked Maurice more was that he felt a surge of warmth in his veins when Edward forced his head to lower apologetically at Darius. He rolled his eyes before ultimately giving in, adopting a sincere and formal tone as he declared aloud,

“Don’t worry, Mr. Reid. I can attest to everything Mr. Elliot, who I’m making my mentor now, has said. Alongside what he promised, I swear this under God’s witness—I’m pledging loyalty to you now. If I ever harm you or your family, the Lord is free to cond