Country: Aurivelle
City: Auremont
Alvara
The applause didn’t fade immediately.
It lingered.
Wrapped around us… thick, consuming… almost unreal.
Then she stepped forward.
Mrs. Hawthorne.
The shift was instant.
The room didn’t quiet because it had to…
It quieted because it wanted to.
She stood at the center of the stage, composed, effortless, her presence alone commanding everything.
Her gaze moved slowly across the room… over the audience, the judges, the designers…
Before settling on us.
The winners.
“You’ve all reminded us of something tonight,” she began, her voice smooth, controlled… yet warm enough to reach every corner of the hall.
“That fashion is not just about fabric… or technique.”
“It is about voice.”
Silence deepened.
“It is about courage.”
Her eyes moved a
