~Evric's POV~
I looked up. Evans and Zayn entered the hall together, instantly drawing every eye in the room. They walked straight to a reserved section on the side. Evans was discreet; he knew that only those closest to my father would recognize his true identity. Zayn, however, was dressed impeccably and drew a thousand stares—a risk we had accepted.
Vanya and I ascended the stage. The change in perspective was immediate: a sea of faces, and blinding flashes from the camera reporters stationed at the front. The air hummed with nervous energy and the constant metallic click, click, click of the shutters.
I stepped up to the podium first, adjusting the microphone.
