After the brief exchange between the two students who everyone believed would remain under the spotlight throughout the entire training, the rest of the candidates were instructed to stand in order.
They complied without complaint.
Several feet of space separated each student, forming neat, evenly spaced lines across the vast hall. No one spoke. The air itself felt disciplined, almost restrained, as they stood there in silence, waiting for their mentor to arrive.
Emma had already had her fill of anticipation and cookies earlier. By now, she had settled into herself and found that she did not mind standing here for as long as they demanded.
William, however, did not share the same sentiment.
His impatience was evident in the way his foot tapped repeatedly against the polished floor, the faint sound echoing just enough to betray his irritation. He shifted his weight from one leg to the other, jaw clenched as his eyes flicked toward the empty stage.
