The sharp sound of Elliana’s laughter sliced through the ceremonial stillness like a blade through silk.
It wasn’t loud just a brief, unguarded release of disbelief but in a room engineered for reverence and obedience, it rang louder than any shout. The hush that followed was instant and suffocating. Every head turned toward her as if pulled by the same invisible string.
The host froze mid-step, the microphone still raised halfway to his mouth. The elderly art luminaries seated in the front row stiffened, their rehearsed smiles faltering. Even the livestream comment section seemed to pause for half a heartbeat before erupting in a frenzy.
— Did someone just laugh?!
— Who was that?
— This is supposed to be a sacred moment!
Luciano turned slowly.
“Is there something amusing about my w
