The auditorium was a cacophony of camera flashes, murmurs, and sharp voices as reporters jostled for the best angle. The air buzzed with anticipation. Malia sat on stage beside Nixus, her hands folded tightly in her lap, outwardly composed but inwardly bracing for the storm.
"Are you ready?" she asked under her breath.
Nixus adjusted his tie, his jaw set. "I don't know if you're ever ready for something like this."
She reached over, her fingers brushing his. "We're doing this together. Remember that."
The warmth of her touch steadied him, and for the first time in days, a flicker of calm settled over him.