~ ZARA ~
As I settled into the seat I'd been assigned, the hum of the room washed over me, but no voices stood out.
My back felt cold with Ash forced to back off to the edge of the room with the other Defenders. I could feel his eyes on me and I was grateful. But the shivering fear wouldn't leave, and that was worrying me.
It was stupid, I tried to tell myself. I was in the center of the castle. I knew I wasn't in danger here—there were literally a dozen men or more capable of taking down an intruder or attack. No one was even going to try something like that here because the chances of success were so low.
My mind knew that, but my heart wouldn't settle.
So, I entwined the fingers of both hands and pressed them into my lap and tried breathing exercises while everyone else caught up with their neighbors.
It wasn't long though, before Mother Estow swept to the podium at the front and smiled.
