The courthouse smelled like lemon disinfectant and old paper: the scent of places that pretend order is a muscle.

Eva sat there at the table, totally spaced out, with Sophia warm in her arms.

The baby was playing with Eva’s shirt. The area was full of loud, legal, and dangerous people.

Alessandro strolled around like he was in charge.

Lyra watched the feeds, watched the feeds watch the feeds, and waited for the exact second to strike.

The judge started the hearing like he was herding ...