The executive conference room at Ouroboros Guild headquarters had been transformed into an impromptu sanctuary for the most important people in Arthur's life. While the Guild Grandmaster faced trial for his freedom and reputation, those who loved him waited in the kind of tense silence that came from knowing their entire world could change based on events they couldn't control or influence.
Stella sat curled up on one of the large couches, her mathematical workbooks forgotten as she stared at the wall display showing news coverage of the trial. At nine years old, she understood enough to know that Arthur was in serious trouble, but not enough to comprehend the full implications of demonic contamination charges.
"When will Daddy come home?" she asked for the third time in an hour, her voice carrying the kind of innocent worry that made every adult in the room feel the weight of their helplessness.
