Chapter 100. Her Nomination

ARDEN

I could hear the others whispering about my identity. Who was this girl who came forward to defend Cade Callahan? In their eyes, I was just a nobody. Their voices weren’t even trying to hide their doubt.

Mr. Winters let out a small breath. “What nonsense are you talking about? Cade Callahan running as the Praetor? That cannot be.”

But the murmurs grew louder, prickling through the clearing. I felt Cade reach out for my hand, intertwining our fingers before pulling me closer to him. It hadn’t been long since we last saw each other, but I already missed him.

“Arden,” he whispered, leaning in even closer while giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “What is happening?”

I squeezed back but didn’t look at him. I kept my eyes focused forward, my heart pounding from nervousness, yet my voice remained calm. “Trust me,” I whispered back. “Please.”

Then I turned to face the crowd, holding my ground. “There are no contraindications,” I said clearly, addressi