Chapter 61: Battle for the Crown

Nia's POV

Standing there, my heart racing, I felt the floor beneath my feet almost vibrate with my nervous tapping. It was my turn coming up. The line of other contestants behind me felt like a long shadow that I couldn't escape from. Each time a contestant walked out and the crowd erupted into applause, my heart jumped. Their cheers were intoxicating yet terrifying. I was in a world of my own, a bubble of anticipation, waiting for my moment.