As Mara began writing, Helena sat motionless in her chair, staring at nothing. Julian watched her carefully, noting every detail of her despair, her defeat, her broken acceptance.
Mara finished writing and presented the documents to Helena.
"Here. Read through these carefully. Make sure you understand every clause. This is the debt clearance—it officially transfers ownership of your family's debt from the bank to me. And this is the payment agreement—five hundred gold, payable immediately after tomorrow night's performance."
Helena took the papers with shaking hands and read through them, though Julian doubted she was actually processing the words. She was simply going through the basics, her mind already elsewhere.
"It looks... acceptable," Helena said finally, her voice flat.
"Sign here, then," Mara indicated several places on the documents.
Helena signed robotically.
Mara signed as well, then rolled up the documents and sealed them with wax.
