A small group of elders stood before them, their presence commanding and severe. Each one carried an air of authority that made Charlotte's chest tighten.
She tried to steady herself, to appear composed, but her heart pounded wildly against her ribs, far too fast to ignore.
"Here," Gérard said, passing the sheets to one of them.
The elder took it, his gaze sharpening as he examined it, drawing in a slow breath.
Charlotte swallowed hard.
Without realizing it, her fingers curled tighter around Gérard's hand, gripping him for support.
Then suddenly all of their eyes shifted to her.
Her stomach dropped.
Instinctively, she stepped closer to Gérard, almost retreating behind him, but his fingers tightened around hers. The small squeeze grounded her, sending a strange surge of strength through her.
It was enough.
She stayed at his side, standing her ground, though her gaze lowered in respect partly out of courtesy, mostly because she didn't dare meet their eyes.
