Her voice was smooth, even, carrying exactly the right measure of authority without a single jagged edge. "What I can confirm is that I am here today at the direct invitation of the family, and I intend to honor that invitation with the seriousness it deserves."
A reporter pushed closer. "But Miss Thalia — are you prepared to take on the full weight of—"
"I am prepared," she said simply, and the quiet certainty in those three words landed like a door clicking shut. Final. Unhurried. No elaboration necessary.
She moved.
