Free The Frozen Beginning (Elemental Diamond Book 1) by Daphne Robynson Page A

slacks.
    Emilia also looks extravagant. Her hair is in an elegant twist at the crown of her head with gentle tresses falling to frame her small face. Her gown adorns ruffles of light blue against the dark base, shades of black intermingling. They both stand proudly with their backs straight and heads held high to the audience.
    Emilia is the first to announce a name. “Our first volunteer is Aleena Staren.” Her musical voice matches her delicate features.
    Aleena pinches her shoulders back before she takes to the stage with grace. She struts across the stage with confidence, waving to the crowd with a consuming smile. Once she reaches the corner of the stage, she blows a kiss out to the audience and waves once more. The crowd loves her confidence as they roar their appreciation. The camera lingers in front of her face, her smile blinding to the audience.
    Glacier looks to the front of the line and notices Tric watching Aleena with jealous eyes. She had heard whispers over the years that Tric is in love with Aleena; nothing had confirmed it until now. Karn’s voice hushes Glacier’s thoughts on the matter when he announces Tric.
    “Our second volunteer, Tric Holden.” Shaking his arms to loosen himself up, Tric jogs up on stage with a friendly smile and a wave. Glacier notices how handsome he looks with his pale blue sleeves rolled up mid-forearm, and his dark navy tie down his front. His lanky figure is complimented by the slightly loose clothing, but it doesn’t appear baggy. He makes it across the stage to stand by Aleena, who continues to smile and wave to the crowd.
    It went on for the next three contenders, with Emilia announcing Keena and Neena Crates, Karn calling up Branch Disk. By the time Neena is announced, Glacier is hyperventilating, unlike her fellow teammates. Hydra greets the crowd with warm smiles and sporting fist pumps, but the mere idea of stepping out onto that stage with everyone gazing at her, judging her presence, is positively terrifying to Glacier.
    What if they all hate me?
    Glancing around for an escape of some kind, anything to get her away from the stage, her palms sweat.
    “And lastly, our final volunteer, Glacier Wardgrave.” The crowd’s cheer noticeably dims at the mention of her name. The claps slowly halt, whispers breaking out amongst the spectators. No doubt trying to understand why she is here.
    I can’t do this! They think I'm a freak!
    Glacier backs away, terrified of where the steps lead.
    Looking from side to side, she tries finding anyone that would notice her absence if she were to run back out of the stadium. When she turns back, one set of orange eyes grabs her attention immediately.
    The boy watches her curiously, mostly wondering why she has not yet climbed the steps to the stage. He seems to realize her meltdown once she turns. He mouths something to her.
    ‘Breathe’
    Glacier nods her head, trying to clear her nervous thoughts.
    Just breathe .
    “Glacier Wardgrave…” Karn’s confused voice repeats her name, spiking her anxieties once more. Glacier looks back to orange-eyes again, and finds him nodding his head with an encouraging smile.
    He mouths the words, ‘Just breathe, it’s alright’.
    Though he didn’t say the words aloud, they have a strangely calming effect on her. Glacier breathes slowly to calm her nerves, but before she can walk up the steps, a stagehand grabs her arm roughly and drags her onto the stage.
    “Chamberman Karn is calling your name! Get on stage now!” Glacier’s arm aches where the woman’s talon-like fingers claw her. She stumbles up the steps, following the woman clumsily. All but throwing Glacier onto the stage, Glacier’s shoe once again catches on the hem of her dress, causing her to stumble ungracefully onto the stage.
    “Ah, here she is. Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Glacier Wardgrave!” Karn smiles warmly to the crowd, forgiving the young girl’s delay.
    The audience completely captures her attention with its