~LAYLA~
“Let her trial begin.”
The words hang in the air like a death sentence already dished out to me, and I force myself to breathe, to stand firm even as fear threatens to consume me.
Hold your head high, Aunt Gaia's voice echoes in my mind: Don’t let them see your fear.
I will not break. I will not be crushed.
Not here.
Not now.
Despite the mantra chanting inside my head, my stomach still twists into a knot with each step I take towards the stand, pointed out to me by Elder Theron who had announced the commencement of my trial. I can feel the weight of everyone's eyes on my back like I'm carrying a heavy burden, but I don’t stumble.
Reaching the stand, I pause, my breath catching in my throat.
But then again, what do I have to lose except my precious head?
I muster up my co
