A Moment of Relief—And a New Problem

Lunch was in my hands.

But I had no way to eat it.

I sighed, standing just outside the courthouse, feeling the weight of the situation settle in. The others had left to… wherever they went. I hadn't asked. They'd needed the break just as much as I did.

The problem was simple: The Leviathan mask covered my entire face down to my neck, just like the others' masks. There was no easy way to lift it, no mouthpiece to remove. And considering we were being in public with hundreds if not thousands looking at me in person, there was zero chance I was going to take it off where anyone could see.

Which left me with a perfectly good meal and nowhere to actually eat it.

Great.

I glanced around, considering my options.

Then—

I spotted her.

Evelyn.