"This can't be real…" One elf whispered. "He's joking, right?"
"I don't think he's joking." another murmured. "He looks dead serious."
Luna's hands flew to her mouth. "Luca...what are you thinking?"
Even the males, who usually mocked him, were shifting uneasily now.
And standing there, Lulu herself went pale.
Her earlier excitement drained away, replaced by a trembling dread as the reality of what was happening sank in.
Her body started shaking slightly and she took the fruit out of her mouth to speak.
"Luca...I—I don't think I can do this. Can I...um, maybe someone else go instead?"
Luca's expression softened as he looked at her trembling form.
Slowly, he knelt down so his eyes were level with hers.
"Lulu." He said gently. "Do you trust me?"
She blinked, frozen. "Huh?"
"Do you trust me from the bottom of your heart that I won't ever do anything to harm you?"
"If you do, then just keep that fruit where it is. Don't move."
"And I promise you...nothing bad will happen."
