The crowd's excitement, which only moments ago brimmed with anticipation of a violent clash, shifted into confusion as Anya's faint, steady smile lingered.
She let her gaze sweep across the mob, then raised her hand lightly.
"Now, now...I think it's about time I stop being a doting older sister and return to my duties. After all, some of you seem to be doubting whether I'll actually take action, and that won't do."
Immediately, the few girls in the crowd who had been whispering their suspicions stiffened, their faces paling as though she had plucked the thoughts straight out of their heads. Anya chuckled softly, as if amused by their reaction, then turned her attention back to Charlotte.
