Gwen's mind raced as the room fell silent, all eyes on her. She felt the weight of everyone's expectations and Thorndyke's intense gaze, making it hard for her to think straight.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to steady her voice, but it still trembled slightly as she began, "I—"
"Hey, Gwen," a female voice interrupted her and she turned her head to see Tella standing beside her, fidgeting her hands as her gaze travelled around the room nervously.
"Yeah?" she replied, taking in Tella's appearance. Her breathing was ragged and it seemed like she was scared.
"Can I talk to you for a second?" Tella's voice trembled as she looked at Gwen, pleading with her eyes, "It's urgent."
Gwen knitted her eyebrows.
Something was not right.
She nodded and stood up. Just as she was about to follow Tella's Thorndyke's hand grabbed her wrist. She turned to look at his concerned eyes and set jaw, his eyebrows knitted in a question.