Valerie stepped off the stage to some cheers and returned to Melinda and Suri's sides right at the same time that someone began to clap...
*Clap*
*Clap*
*Clap*
The sound of the claps was low and normal but they caught the attention of everyone present for no other reason than the one who was clapping.
Gilbert Doe, the leader of the Golden crow guild ignored Clovis' groans of pain as he walked past him to climb the stage.
He was facing Melinda as he clapped and then his eyes cut to Valerie just as he said,
"Marvelous. What is even more impressive is that you are only just into your second year in the Academy. You truly are a special kind of genius" Gilbert said to her.
His tone surely sounded friendly but anyone could tell it was all facade.
Valerie ignored the words with an eye roll being the only indication that she actually heard them.
Melinda, however, smiled,