Ethan POV The courtroom empties in a strange way. Not all at once. Not loud. Just chairs scraping softly, low murmurs folding into each other, footsteps retreating like the tide pulling back from shore. The judge’s voice still echoes faintly in my head, even after the gavel has fallen. Adjourned. Temporary release. Further review.

Freedom.

Not quite.

I stay seated long after I’m allowed to stand.

My wrists feel naked without the weight of cuffs, like something important was ripped away ...