Chapter 12

The sun had set over the city and cast a warm golden glow over the square where a large crowd had gathered. The air was filled with murmurs as people waited for the mayor to appear. It was only in times of urgency that a gathering like this would be called. Newscasters, journalists, and TV presenters had arranged their equipment and were also waiting for the mayor.

A podium had been set up at the center of the square where microphones were placed by different TV presenters, and a large banner reading "The Amazing City Of Lightwood '' hung behind the podium. Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as the mayor appeared, and walked elegantly to the podium, accompanied by his secretary and a young lady dressed in a formal black top tucked into a skirt. The mayor's aid – dressed in his usual unstructured blazer – followed them.

With a serious expression on his face, the Mayor approached the podium and adjusted the main microphone, coughed into it to see if it was functional. He knew better