«Daven...
When my name came out of his mouth, I froze for a moment, but quickly dismissed any nervous thoughts. There was really no reason to feel that way. Carefully, I took each step, becoming quieter and calmer, even though each footstep resonated with a weight I couldn't ignore. The murmur of the hall gradually faded away, as if the voices were being absorbed by the movements of my legs. I felt dozens of piercing glances on my back, some laden with curiosity, others with expectation, and still others... with open distrust.
I stopped in front of the stone column that held the crystal sphere. The polished shine of the artefact reflected my own face in a distorted way, but even so, it did not alter its harmony. My reflection showed no change in expression, as if the nervousness I had felt momentarily had never existed. I slowly reached out my hand, and the coldness of the crystal ran from my fingertips to my shoulder.
