Simone’s POV
"Can you walk, Simone, or do you need more time?" Elder Zoya asked.
Her voice was soft and full of pity. I didn't answer right away. I just stared at the floor of the council chamber. I kept my shoulders hunched and my chin tucked low. I needed to look like a girl who had just been shattered. Every muscle in my body was tense, but I forced a slight tremble into my hands.
"I can walk," I whispered.
I moved forward with tiny, dragging steps. I made sure the floorboards creaked under my feet. The silence in the room was heavy. I could feel every eye on me. My father, the elders, and the guards were all watching. I stopped a few feet away from the centre of the room. I didn't look at the man chained to the floor. I didn't need to. I could hear his ragged breathing.
"Please. S
