I wake before the sun rises, knowing that I need to be ready to face my peers. I have been stripped of my titles and they will wonder why. My promotions put me in the spotlight, sure, but I’m sure that gossip will feel like nothing compared to what it is now that I’ve lost them.
I wash and dress quickly, wanting to be the first to early. It will be better if I don’t have to watch them stare as I walk in. The pale light filtering in through the window makes the room look colder than it is.
There’s no time to feel weak. I’ve already lost my title as acting captain. I won’t let them see me sweat.
I’m at the guard station fifteen minutes early. No one comments, though a few glance up from their posts as I enter. I nod once and keep walking, eyes ahead.
The rest of the room fills gradually
