Even though the entire scene had been a disaster of epic proportions, Luca still took a slow breath and forced himself to smile.
At least some people were still with him.
Nyx was smirking like she was watching premium entertainment, Luna looked conflicted but hadn't bolted, and Lulu...well, Lulu was still standing right there, arms folded, chest puffed out like she was his personal bodyguard.
He was about to say something to thank them when suddenly a loud, mocking "Pfft—HAHAHAHAHA!" echoed through the clearing.
Everyone turned their heads at once.
There stood Julius, doubled over laughing, clutching his stomach like he'd just witnessed the greatest joke of his life.
"This—this is amazing!"
He wheezed between bursts of laughter, pointing straight at Luca.
"Absolutely amazing! I came here planning to ruin your little gathering, to call out whatever ridiculous speech you made and twist it against you! I was ready to argue, to humiliate you, to throw you off your game. But now…"
