Julian adjusted his jacket casually and began walking toward the other end of the restaurant.
To anyone watching, he looked like a confident young man simply moving across the room without a care in the world.
At Elion's table, Tessa was mid-sentence.
"I'm telling you, if that Warbeast had been just a little slower, I would've finished it myself."
"You nearly did," Aria said softly.
"You needed help," Mira corrected.
Elion was about to reply when his eyes shifted slightly toward the approaching figure.
Julian stopped beside their table, with his hands in his pockets, and his posture relaxed.
"Evening," he said casually.
The conversation at the table paused.
Tessa looked up first, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Evening," she replied evenly.
Julian's gaze drifted over the group one by one before settling briefly on Elion.
"You first years from the academy?" he asked, though it was obvious he already knew.
Tessa crossed her arms loosely. "Depends who's asking."
