ELIAS'S POV

The auditorium was packed. Every seat filled. Students crammed into the aisles. Faculty lined the back walls. Security positioned at every exit.

I sat with Ronan and the others. Front section. Where we could be seen. Where we could move quickly if needed.

My mother sat behind me. Her hand touched my shoulder briefly. Reassurance. Support.

The lights dimmed. Conversations died down. Everyone turned toward the stage.

Castellan walked out. Confident. Composed. Like he still had ...