No one moved.
The grand hall remained silent, heavy with tension. The candidates, prostrated before the Negestat, showed no sign of retreat. Not a single one made a move to rise or leave.
The Negestat gazed at the crowd for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Slowly, she turned her head towards Aelwen, who, still kneeling, could feel the weight of the leader's attention pressing down on her.
"Have they not understood?" the Negestat asked softly, her words floating through the air like a cool breeze.
Aelwen timidly lifted her head, casting a quick glance at the motionless crowd. She took a deep breath before answering.
"Your voice was clear enough, Negestat," she said respectfully. "They seem determined to face this Selection."
A faint smile, almost imperceptible, appeared on the Negestat's lips. Yet it carried no warmth or satisfaction, only a hint of surprise, perhaps even curiosity.
