Sapphire clapped her hands once, loud enough to echo throughout the hall, and immediately all attention turned to her. The fire in Katharina's hands dimmed, the wind currents around Roxanne calmed, and the blood on Ada's fingers seemed to evaporate. Even Ingrid looked up, realizing the situation had suddenly changed.
"Very well," Sapphire said, her voice firm but laced with a faint hint of reproof. "I want everyone to pay attention. Ingrid, could you explain to me why you were defeated so easily?"
Ingrid took a deep breath, trying to control the anger burning in her chest. The shadow of shame and frustration still lingered, but she responded with the same fury she felt deep within her soul:
