GINA’S POV

I thought I could get used to the penetrating stares as I walked into the hall, but the intensity of every gaze fixed on me was overwhelming. their gazes burning. It was stifling, and I resisted the urge to lower my gaze to the ground. But I felt I had to look confident at least. in me not to look at the ground.

Sensing my unease, Wilona held my arm in support.

“It’s okay, don’t look them in the eye,” she whispered and I nodded.

Devyn stood at the podium ahead of us, ...