The gazes of her peers shifted towards her, some filled with a mix of pity and concern, while others hinted at amusement. Her heart sank, and she felt her palms grow clammy, the anxiety of potential failure tightening its grip around her chest. The idea of facing expulsion gnawed relentlessly at her mind, twisting her stomach into tight knots of worry.
Just then, she felt a gentle touch on her back. Aurora stood beside her, her hand resting comfortingly on Raena's shoulder. With a soft, reassuring smile, she leaned in and whispered, "You'll be fine, Raena. You have improved, remember?"
The warmth of her presence offered a small glimmer of solace in the midst of the storm brewing inside Raena.
Gratefully, Raena managed to give a small nod in response, even though the gnawing fear still held her in its thrall.