Sadness and defeat

The courthouse was overlooking a downtown plaza filled with people, fountains, pigeons, and the usual noise of a busy weekday. But when Ares stepped off the last stair, it was as if the entire city shrunk into a single point of pressure inside his chest.

Julian was waiting by the SUV at the curb, leaning against the passenger door with anxious tension all over his face.

When he saw Ares, he straightened. “Well? Speak to me.”

Ares didn’t speak until they were both ...