Before he could respond, Marcellus returned to the table, setting his portfolio down. The guards had retreated to a respectful distance, though they remained vigilant.
"Now then," Marcellus said, opening his portfolio, "let's discuss strategy. The Assembly's case against you is substantial, Mr. Farren, but not insurmountable."
My father straightened, his expression becoming guarded. "What are you proposing?"
"The prosecutor has indicated willingness to offer a plea bargain," Marcellus explained, sliding a parchment across the table. "Full release, charges dropped, in exchange for the namesof your clients, specifically those who purchased unregistered anchor crystals."
My father stiffened. His jaw clenched as he stared at the document, not touching it. "No," he said simply.
Marcellus sighed, though he didn't seem surprised. "Mr. Farren, I understand your reluctance, but please consider?—"
"These people came to me because they needed help," my father said. "Families who couldn't afford Assembly-sanctioned crystals, small traders who would've lost their livelihoods without proper anchor power. I won't betray them."
"Dad—" I started.
"No, Junie. Some things matter more than freedom." He looked at me, his eyes utterly and wholly resolute. "These people trusted me. I won't give them up to save myself."
I knew that look. It was the same one he wore when teaching me to craft my first crystal setting. He was a patient, yet unyielding man. Pride swelled in my chest, even as frustration knotted in my stomach.
Marcellus cleared his throat, adjusting his eyeglasses. "I anticipated this response, Mr. Farren. Which is why I've prepared an alternative approach." He pulled out another set of documents. "A legal challenge based on procedural violations during your arrest and evidence collection."
My father's eyebrows rose. "What violations?"
"The search warrant was improperly executed," Marcellus explained, tapping the document. "Your shop was raided outside the specified hours, and several items were seized that weren't listed in the warrant—specifically your personal tools and family anchor crystals, which aren't illegal to possess."
I leaned forward, hope flickering to life. "Will that be enough?"
"Combined with character testimony and your clean prior record, yes," Marcellus said confidently. "The Assembly likes topresent itself as a body governed by law. When we expose their violations of those same laws, they'll often settle rather than risk public scrutiny."
"And if they don't settle?" my father asked.
Marcellus's smile was thin but confident. "Then we proceed to tribunal and make our case publicly. The Assembly dislikes nothing more than having their dirty laundry aired where merchants and traders can see it."
From his position by the wall, Cypher finally spoke. "How long will this process take?"
Marcellus glanced at him. "Two weeks for the motion to be heard. Another week for deliberation. If successful, Mr. Farren could be released within the month."
It felt both impossibly long and miraculously short after all this time.
"Do it," I said firmly. "Whatever it takes."
My father studied my face. "Junie, the legal fees for this approach?—"
"Are covered," I assured him. "I told you, I've got it handled."
He looked from me to Cypher and back again, questions in his eyes that he didn't voice. Finally, he nodded. "Very well, Mr. Finn. I place myself in your capable hands."
Marcellus nodded, satisfied, and began laying out documents that required signatures. My father finished signing and looked up, his attention catching on something over my shoulder. His expression shifted subtly, a tightening around the eyes, a slight press of his lips.
"Mr. Farren," Marcellus said, gathering the papers, "I'll file these immediately and be in touch."
The next fewdays were spent helping the crew prepare for the eventual journey into the Deep Gallery. Nights were split between my shop and The Night-Piercer, torn between two lives that felt increasingly incompatible.
My mom's health continued to decline despite the medicine. Some days she could barely get out of bed, her lungs so damaged that even breathing required conscious effort. I hired a healer woman named Saurah to help care for her, someone kind who understood illness. Vic continued to monitor and study her, even though my mother fussed about it.
Kora officially joined Cypher's crew, moving her belongings permanently to the ship. She and Jask were inseparable now, and watching them together made my chest ache. They made it look so easy, being together.
Marcellus worked tirelessly on my father's case. Twice I accompanied him to Assembly tribunals, watching him argue brilliantly for leniency for his other clients. He was amazing when put to the test, and I began to relax, trusting that he had my father's case handled.
