Chapter 85: A Dazzling Performance
(Cassandra's POV)
Emma sat on a bench, her ankle propped up with an ice pack. Tears streaked her face as she clutched her ceremonial ribbon tightly in her hands.
"I can still perform," she said, her voice trembling but determined. She tried to stand, wincing as she put weight on her clearly injured ankle. "We've worked so hard... I can't let everyone down now."
Before she collapsed, I reached out swiftly, my hand on her shoulder. Gently but firmly, I pushed her back down. "No. You'll only hurt yourself more. That’s not an option."
Her eyes welled with fresh tears. "But Jane—Jane did this on purpose! I know she did!"
I crouched in front of her, examining the swelling. The purple-blue bruise already spreading across her skin confirmed a severe s
