I stood at the edge of the equestrian field, watching the clouds roll in over the distant hills. Frankie squeezed my arm gently, drawing me back to reality.
"You okay?" she asked, her voice low.
I nodded, though we both knew it was a lie. My hands still trembled slightly from the adrenaline of saving Felix's life. I'd risked exposure to save him, yet somehow, I knew the elite crowd wouldn't see it that way.
"The Beaumonts should be here any minute," Frankie said, checking her watch.
Before I could respond, whispers erupted behind us. I didn't need to turn around to know what was happening. The familiar weight of judgment pressed against my back like a cold hand.
"That's her," a female voice hissed. "The one who jumped between the horses."
"Felix Dubois actually thanked her," another replied. "Can you believe it?"
I kept my eyes fixed on the horizon. These whispers were nothing new. I'd lived with them my entire life.
"Keira, don't listen to them," Frankie murmured.
