As the last of the students filtered out of the kitchen, the silence that followed felt heavier than the cacophony that had filled the room moments before.
My gaze flicked between Leora and Maeve. Leora's expression, still tinged with the residual sternness she had directed at Maeve, began to soften.
The sharp angles of her frown melted away, replaced by something calm almost serene.
She turned to me, her violet eyes brightening. A smile curved her lips, warm and disarming, as if the intimidating figure who had just scolded Maeve moments ago had been replaced with someone completely different.
"Well now," Leora said, her voice softer. "Let's see what you've made, Rhiannon."
My heart did a nervous flip as she approached my station. Her presence was both commanding and comforting, and I found myself standing up straighter as she inspected the plate.
