The Interim Regent lowered his hand after welcoming Wanda, and the penetrating gaze he cast over those present in the arena seemed to carry the authority and weight of centuries of tradition.
The crowd, still reeling from the unexpected revelation, resumed its murmurs as the other candidates on the stage exchanged tense, measured glances, trying to gauge the impact of this unprecedented inclusion.
Wanda felt Olyno's gaze on her, but decided not to give in to the coldness that had plagued her before; instead, she focused on her new determination. She had been chosen, and that was all that mattered at the moment.
With a slight wave of his hand, the Interim Regent silenced the crowd again, indicating that the announcement was far from over.
