***
{Outside The Projection}
They couldn't ignore the projection anymore.
Not the heartbreak and grief laced into every moment, unraveling within it.
The crowd in its entirety, which just moments ago had been buzzing over Sinbad's appearance—his words, his soft but terrifying power—was pulled back in.
There was something about the pain in Malik's voice—no, his lack of it.
The way he purposely made himself a villain.
The way he walked away from Huda.
That cold, final turning of the back.
It hooked them.
And guilt was everywhere.
People looked at each other, some at the floor, some just... staring ahead blankly.
Noor, for all her pride, remained standing like the rest of the people. Roya looked like she couldn't stay still. While Azeem, still unnoticed by most, had sat on the ground once more.
Safira stared at the owl, still thinking about what his answer might be... or rather, if it could ever be changed like hers had been.
And Layla...
She had her eyes closed.
