Fundamentally wrong turnout

The stillness in the air was suffocating. Every nerve in my body screamed at me to act, to do something, anything, but I couldn't move. Acadia's eyes bored into mine, an infuriating smile dancing on her lips as if she'd already won whatever game she was playing.

The necklace around my neck thrummed again, vibrating insistently against my chest, but I didn't reach for it. My attention remained locked on her. The dark-haired woman didn't even glance at the faint glow of the charm.

"You're not going to check who's so desperate to reach you?" Her voice was calm, almost amused, her head tilting slightly.

"Shut up," I snapped, harsher than I intended.

Her smile widened, as though my irritation was the most entertaining thing she'd seen all day.