The vast courtroom in Manhattan's Federal District was packed to capacity. Galleries overflowed with reporters, NGOs, and former AZRAEL subjects—many children now grown—whose faces bore both scars and hope. Cameras on cranes whirred, capturing every angle. A wooden dais loomed at the front, behind which sat a three‑judge panel. To the left, a row of prosecution tables; to the right, the defense, with Adrian Thorne seated beside his attorneys.
Camila Zhou entered under heavy security, flanked by Evelyn Grant and Dr. Whitaker. Lucas walked beside her, hand in hers, Bear clipped to his belt but deactivated. Julian Thorne remained behind them, poised—his tremor now barely perceptible thanks to the CRISPR graft.
Evelyn whispered, “Remember, testify clearly. They need the human story."
Camila
