Lyra's POV
The silence in the atrium was deafening. Not even the sound of breathing broke through the stillness that had settled over the crowd like a heavy blanket. I realized I had been holding my breath and finally allowed myself to inhale. My eyes darted to Ash and Xander, searching their faces for any sign of panic.
Ash stood frozen, his mouth slightly open in bewilderment. Xander had turned ashen, his usual composure completely shattered. When I looked at Beck, she was studying me intently, as if expecting me to transform into royalty right before her eyes.
Vivienne stepped forward and surveyed the packed atrium once more. Her movement broke the spell that had held everyone captive. The silence cracked as whispers began to ripple through the crowd like wildfire.
