MERRIELYNN.
I stood frozen, my heart racing as I felt the weight of everyone's gaze on me.
This wasn’t the plan—I wasn’t supposed to be the center of attention. The murmurs around me faded into a dull roar as everyone waited for me to either comply or walk out. I swallowed hard, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach.
Emorie sidled up close, her breath warm against my ear. “Oh, Mere, are you really gonna do it?”
I glanced at Valtor, who leaned back with a confident smirk. “You gonna chicken out?” he taunted, his smile widening as he watched me struggle.
I swallowed again, trying to find my voice. But what was I supposed to say?
What if I just turned and walked away? Nothing would happen, right?
I parted my lips, ready to say something but I ended up stuttering. And I was cut off whe
