Hannah’s POV
The Whispers Grow Louder
The air inside the ballroom felt warmer than outside.
Too warm.
Too heavy.
Like the room itself was closing in on me.
Every step I took felt louder than it should.
My heels clicked against the polished floor, echoing softly beneath the high ceiling.
Too noticeable.
Too exposed.
I kept my head up just like Kael told me.
But my eyes…
My eyes didn’t know where to look.
Every direction I turned
Someone was staring.
Women in glittering gowns paused mid-conversation.
Men in sharp suits glanced openly without shame.
Servants moved quickly along the edges of the room, careful not to interfere.
But even they stole curious glances.
“She’s human…”
I heard the whisper clearly.
Sharp.
Unkind.
“Is that really her?”
Another voice followed.
“T
