“Miss Calva said she was helping me,” Elo said. Her voice started out small but grew steadier with each word. “But it hurt every time. Every single time.”
“Did you ever ask her to stop?”
“Yes,” Elo said. “She said pain makes you better.”
“How often did this happen?”
“Three times a week,” Elo said. “For two years.”
The courtroom went utterly silent.
“Did anyone else know?” the judge asked.
“She said if I told, it would get worse,” Elo said.
The judge’s expression hardened.
“Thank you, Eloin,” the judge said. “You’re very brave.”
Elo stepped down. Sky reached out and took her hand the moment she was within reach.
The judge looked at both tables.
“I’m making my ruling now,” the judge said.
Everyone held their breath.
“Project Seraphim is shut down effective immediately,” the judge said. “All research material is to be seized and sealed. Miss Calva will face criminal trial. As for Mr. Dorian Vale, this court strongly recommends further investigation into his conduct and that of the board.”
Dorian shot to his feet.
“Your Honor—”
“Sit down, Mr. Vale,” the judge said sharply. “Consider yourself fortunate you are not being charged here today.”
The gavel came down. It was over.