Charlotte's words settled over the hall like a soft blanket — warm, steady, impossibly brave.
Rhedon did not sit.
He stepped forward, the faint clink of his ceremonial chain echoing in the silence.
The other elders behind him straightened even more, forming a wall of stiff tradition and decades-old habits.
His voice dropped, deep and heavy. "Then we will ask the first question."
Charlotte met his gaze without flinching.
Rhedon inhaled — slow, deliberate.
"What gives you the authority," he asked, "to change what millions of faithful have believed for generations?"
The room froze.
The question hit the air like a thrown spear.
Several younger acolytes held their breath.
A few sisters whispered prayers under their breath.
Orthran's jaw tightened — he knew this one would come.
Noel felt something warm spread in his chest as he watched Charlotte step forward.
Not fear.
Not hesitation.
Just quiet determination… the kind he had fallen for.
