Cassius gently pushed Lucien forward, his voice steady. "Talk to them," he urged before turning back to his conversation with his wife and daughter.
He stood facing Brigantiea and Lithira, their eyes flickering with uncertainty. The night air was crisp, and the awkward silence was palpable, heightened by the cold breeze rustling through the trees. It was far from romantic.
"Err... Let's talk somewhere else," he suggested, his voice hesitant as he led the women deeper into the Acer forest.
They walked in silence, he leading the way with both women trailing behind. The tension was thick, and for Lucien, each step felt like an eternity. He despised such uncomfortable moments.
As they arrived at the lake, the scene transformed. Fireflies danced above the water, their glow reflecting off the surface like stars scattered across the sky.
