She opened her mouth to speak.
But...
No words came out of it.
Zaina froze in her place.
The silence grew sharp and heavy, pressing like an invisible rope tightening around her throat.
Her lips parted again, but nothing came out.
A hush rippled through the hall, students glancing at one another.
"What is she doing...?"
"Did she freeze in fear...?"
"Is she dumb or unable to speak...?"
Their confusion turned into amusement as they looked at her struggle.
Then...
Laughter.
Soft at first. Cruel by the second wave.
Akamir's eyes narrowed.
'And here it comes.'
Zaina's hands trembled.
Her eyes scanned the crowd, searching desperately for a friendly face.
None came, not even from the faculty.
The professor standing near the stage frowned, beginning to step forward.
But someone beat him to it.
A sharp, mocking voice cut through the silence. "What, cat got your tongue, Edevane?"
Gasps followed.
It was Lyselle Polama.
Daughter of Duke Vareon Polama.
