LIORA’S POV
I barely slept the night before the announcement.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Elora’s satisfied smirk from our meeting. That knowing look that suggested she had something planned that I hadn’t anticipated.
By the time morning arrived, my nerves were frayed to breaking.
The announcement was scheduled for mid-morning in the same receiving room where the selection had taken place. I arrived early, Seraphina by my side for moral support.
“It will be fine,” Sera said, squeezing my hand. “Myra performed excellently. The results will speak for themselves.”
I wanted to believe her.
The room filled gradually. Elora arrived with her usual entourage, looking perfectly composed in a pale pink gown. Madame Rose followed, carrying a ledger that presumably contained the final sc
