Rue’s POV

I sat very still as the meeting continued, my hands folded in my lap like any other nameless attendee.

Percy did not relent.

“If this compound suppresses rabid mutation,” he asked, “why does your data omit post-exposure relapse rates?”

Haven froze for half a heartbeat too long. It was clear she didn’t even read through the proposal before presenting it.

“I…those figures are still being compiled,” she said, her voice pitching higher than before.

“And the spiritual ...