Julius, meanwhile, stood frozen like a cornered animal.
Sweat poured down his face. His hands shook. His legs felt like they might give out at any moment.
He knew he had to say something. He had to disrupt this line of reasoning before it went any further. Luca was painting a picture that was far too accurate, far too close to the truth.
He opened his mouth.
But Luca glanced at him.
Just one glance. Nothing more. No words, no threats, no movement. Just a single, cold look.
Julius's mouth snapped shut. He looked down at the ground, unable to meet those eyes.
Luca snorted softly and turned back to the crowd.
"If you use what I've said as the context for everything..."
He continued, his voice steady and commanding.
"...a lot of things will start to make sense."
"Things that seemed confusing before will suddenly click into place."
He looked at Leona.
