Ava
We all watched with bated breath as Dedrick strode into the chamber, his movements calm and poised as ever—not a hair on his head seemed bristled by this impromptu fourth trial, almost as though he already saw it coming.
He took his seat at the end of the table without hesitation, offering me a polite nod of gratitude as he picked up the steaming mug of coffee I had prepared.
“Thank you,” he said simply, bringing the ceramic to his lips for a sip.
I didn’t know what to say. He had just strode in so confidently, so casually, and then proceeded to drink his coffee. Across the table, I could see Olivia lifting her fingers to her lips as though she were hiding a smirk.
Chris launched into his instructions, outlining the scenario we would be presenting to Dedrick. As he
