"Surprise!"
Atticus couldn't help but smile at the sight before him. Ravenstein family members had gathered inside the mansion, along with many Eldorians to welcome him back.
'A surprise party, huh.'
Even if Caldor hadn't mentioned anything, Atticus was god here. There was simply no way he'd miss this many people gathered so close.
Still, looking at Caldor's tense smile urging him to act surprised, Anastasia's hopeful eyes, and the awkward silence that followed their collective shout, Atticus suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hey, Mom… is Atticus okay?" Caldor leaned toward Anastasia and whispered.
"Of course." Anastasia shot him a glare but quickly flashed Atticus a worried look.
'Does he not like it?'
The entire house had fallen utterly silent, watching as Atticus laughed. It was quite literally the first time they'd ever seen him laugh with such unrestrained mirth, and none of them knew how to react.
