Calla’s POV

The Chief Elder signaled for me to begin, and instantly, every person in that large room focused their attention on me. It felt overwhelming, like a heavy weight pressing down on me, much like being deep underwater.

I took a deep breath to calm myself, just like I did before important presentations at work, even though those situations didn’t carry the risk of my life if I messed up my words.

“Before I talk about the charges against me,” I stated clearly, letting my voice ...