Elena’s POV

The bright lights burned against my eyes until the entire hall shimmered like water. Cameras clicked endlessly as I stepped forward to receive my trophy, which was a polished crystal orb resting on a metal base shaped like a blooming flower. It was heavier than I expected, the weight sinking into my palms like something that didn’t quite belong to me.

I smiled anyway.

A polite, practiced smile that reached nowhere near my eyes.

Inside, I could hardly breathe.

The cheers and ...