There stood Madame Shades, her dark robe flowing elegantly, her smile carved sharp and smug as if she had already won a battle they hadn't yet begun. And beside her—Fat Louis, puffing his chest proudly, his round body stuffed into a robe far too tight, his face flushed with arrogant confidence.
Julian's mood blackened. His eyes turned to ice.
"Are we not welcome?" Madame Shades asked sweetly, her tone dripping with false warmth. Her gaze slid past Julian as if he were nothing more than a servant holding the door.
Louis smirked. "Where's wife?" he demanded, puffing his chest further.
Julian's hand tightened on the doorframe, his knuckles pale. He wanted nothing more than to slam the door in their faces, to throw them back into the night, but he forced himself still. He glanced over his shoulder, meeting Ruby's steady eyes. She gave the smallest nod, silent but firm.
With a clenched jaw, Julian stepped aside. "Come in," he said coldly.
