And now, for the final item," the announcer said, a smile forming as a quiet breath slipped from his lips.
"Honestly, I never believed something like this would surface here within my lifetime. Towitness it is a rare privilege."
His voice carried easily, yet the hall felt tighter with every word.As he spoke, a cart rolled forward, its wheels murmuring softly against the polished floor
.At its center rested an orb, completely hidden beneath a silky purple cloth.
The fabric shimmered faintly under the lights, catching the eyes of everyone present.It looked fragile. Almost ceremonial.
A strange stillness crept through the hall.The earlier excitement drained away, replaced by a heavy, collective calm.Exhaustion settled into the crowd, breaths evening out, hearts weighing down.They had all sensed it coming.
They had expected it.But expectation did nothing to soften the reality.Even for Snowfall City, this bordered on insanity.
