Karl sat on the living room couch with his knees tucked up to his chest, eyes wide and blank like he'd just seen a ghost or worse, a failed audition. Milo and Adrian were on either side of him, glancing at each other with increasing concern. Adrian, who rarely showed much emotion, had his brows slightly furrowed, while Milo leaned forward and whispered gently, "Karl… you okay?"
Karl didn't answer. He was staring into space, his mouth slightly parted, and if it weren't for the occasional blink, they might've thought he'd frozen completely.
Then they heard footsteps.
Ruby entered the living room with her usual graceful calm, her red eyes unreadable but steady. Julian followed behind her, quieter than usual, his fingers fidgeting at the hem of his sleeve. It was enough for the others to sense something was coming.
Karl stiffened instantly.
