Betrayal in Plain Sight

POV Cora.

My voice dropped low, but it carried enough edge to slice straight through the oppressive silence of the Bastion hall. I stared daggers at Vanessa, refusing to let her break me.

"What did you call me?"

Vanessa smirked into the microphone, her tone unapologetic and echoing off the high ceilings. "A prostitute. Are you offended? I am merely stating the obvious for everyone here."

She