“Out of generosity,” she told the nearby spectators, her voice carrying with the confidence of someone used to being listened to, “we’ll give her another chance. Everyone saw what happened before, it was more spectacle than skill. My driver won’t be fooled twice.”
The way she said it made it sound like she was doing the world a favor, granting Liora the stage again, as if she had the power to bestow such opportunities. Some in the crowd nodded politely, unwilling to cross her, but others exchanged skeptical glances.
Because just a few feet away stood Liora. Calm, steady, helmet under her arm, not a single flicker of doubt in her eyes. She didn’t need to put on a show, her silence was louder than Selene’s words. Her poise alone stirred admiration from those who had seen her perform
