Cade's knees hadn't stopped shaking despite the comparatively merciful result of his hearing. He stepped out looking lost and tired and nervous, a deeper desolation
overtaking him when he realized he was still being paired with Nerva.

It wasn't that he didn't like Nerva. Or at least, hadn't. But at the moment, being at her side was nothing but a symbol of his failure, of which he knew everyone would be reminded every time they were seen together.
Nonetheless, he stepped forward with a sigh.