Esmeralda stood firm, eyes on Ethel as she pushed again. “Esme, you know we can change everything if you overrule the stone.”

You watched from the side, feeling uneasy. Esmeralda glanced at you, her protective gaze softening.

“Ethel, I won’t risk the school—or her,” Esme said, nodding towards you.

Ethel huffed in frustration, but Esmeralda didn’t budge.