"Of course." Her voice was too bright, too quick. She wouldn't meet my eyes, instead focusing on adjusting the teacup in her hands. "Just tired, that's all."
Vic cleared his throat. "Perhaps I could ask about your husband's work? Did he ever bring home unusual materials? Anything with properties similar to anchor crystals but... different?"
My mother's hands trembled slightly, causing tea to slosh against the rim of her cup. "I wouldn't know about such things. Marv kept his work separate from our home life."
That was a lie. My father had always shared everything about his work with us, often spreading components across our dinner table to get our opinions on his latest designs. I frowned, watching as my mother's gaze darted toward the workshop where Jask was still rummaging around.
"Mrs. Farren," Vic said gently, "anything you can tell us might help. Even small details could make a difference in understanding your condition."
She opened her mouth as if to say something important, then seemed to think better of it. "I'm sorry I can't be more helpful," she murmured, setting down her cup. "Perhaps another day when I'm feeling stronger."
The conversation stalled after that, my mother deflecting further questions about her illness. But I couldn't shake the feeling that she was hiding something—something important. Her eyes kept drifting to the workshop door, and whenever Jask's movements grew louder, she tensed slightly.
After another fifteen minutes, Vic packed away his equipment. "Thank you for allowing me to examine you, Mrs. Farren. I'll review my notes and consult some colleagues."
"You're very kind," my mother said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "Juno, could you help me to my room before you go? I think I need to rest."
I helped her stand, supporting her slight weight as we made our way to her bedroom. Once inside with the door closed, I expected her to say whatever she'd been holding back. Instead, she simply squeezed my hand.
"Be careful, Junie," she whispered. "Just... be careful."
"Mom, what's going on? What aren't you telling me?"
She shook her head, her expression pained. "Not now. When your father is home. Please understand."
I wanted to press further, to demand answers, but the exhaustion etched into her face stopped me. Whatever secret she was keeping, forcing it from her now wouldn't help her condition.
"Alright," I said reluctantly. "Get some rest. I'll come back tomorrow."
She nodded, squeezing my hand once more before settling into her bed. I tucked the blankets around her, feeling like I was ten years old again, except our roles were reversed.
When I returned to the sitting room, Jask had emerged from the workshop, his expression oddly thoughtful. Kora was cleaning up from tea, and Vic was making final notes in his journal.
"Ready to go?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light.
As we stepped outside into the afternoon sunlight, I glanced back at the shop window. My mother stood there, watching us leave, her face half-hidden by the curtain. When our eyes met, she quickly stepped back, disappearing from view.
"Your mother is hiding something," Vic said quietly as we walked back toward the docks.
"I know." I kicked at a loose stone in our path, watching it roll down the cobbled street. "She's never kept secrets from me before. At least, none that I've noticed."
Kora fell into step beside me. "Did she say anything when you took her to her room?"
"Just to be careful. And that she'd tell me when my father is home."
A courier arrivedat the ship three days later, carrying a sealed letter bearing Marcellus Finn's official stamp. I tore it open, my heart racing as I scanned the elegant script.
"Good news?" Kora asked, leaning against the ship's railing beside me.
"Better than good. Marcellus has been granted permission to meet with my father at the Dredge. Tomorrow morning." I read further, my pulse quickening. "And he says I can accompany him."
Kora's eyes widened. "The Dredge? They're actually letting civilians on board?"
"Apparently Marcellus has connections, and he is his client after all." I clutched the letter, hardly daring to believe it. After months of separation, I was finally going to see my father. "I need to tell my mom."
I was halfway to the gangplank when Cypher's voice stopped me.
"Tell her what?" He emerged from below deck.
