When Fedora finally came out of the room, a proud smile rested on her face.
Her eyes slowly swept across the contestants—until they landed on Linda. She didn't glare. She simply looked, and kept looking.
The calm, steady gaze alone was enough to make Linda shrink slightly in her seat. Her fingers tightened against the armrest of the chair as she lowered her eyes.
One by one, the other contestants went in.
Kapitica, Kaka, Laithe—each of them entered the room and came out with expressions that were difficult to read.
Then, finally, it was Linda's turn.
Because she had received the highest score in the previous round, she was the last participant to go in.
"Miss Ruellda, you may enter now," Elder Franco gestured toward the door.
Linda stood up.
Her hinds felt slightly stiff as she stepped forward. She was nervous—there was no point denying it.
