Chapter 51: Stay Close

Raelynn brushed off the strange sensation that had settled over her earlier. Surely, it was nothing more than the unfamiliarity of being the center of attention in a room filled with strangers. All the attention felt overwhelming and unfamiliar, something she wasn't used to. It's just nerves, she told herself, forcing a smile as she walked beside Elion. 

The event took a turn, moving into its formal segment. A guy in a white suit walked up onto the stage, his voice instantly grabbing everyone's focus. The lights dimmed slightly, and a screen behind him flickered to life, showcasing a polished presentation. Raelynn's gaze flitted between the screen and the sea of focused faces in the crowd. 

Graphs. Statistics. Fancy words that flew over her head like birds she couldn't quite catch.