The word filled the office.
"I do not want to hear you speak one word more than is required."
Magnus's mouth closed.
The silence that followed lasted long enough for the lawyer to step forward and place a leather folio on Magnus's desk. He opened it, spread the documents, and produced a pen.
"These are the terms of dissolution for the marriage between Vespera Ashborn and Magnus Ashborn," the lawyer said. "A division of all jointly held assets, properties, and organizational interests. Both parties are present. The Awakened Association is represented as institutional witness."
The judge stepped forward and addressed Magnus.
"Mr. Ashborn, do you accept the present counsel for these proceedings?"
Magnus studied the lawyer. He'd known the man for over a decade. He'd handled the merger agreements, the guild contracts, the property acquisitions. Magnus searched his face for a tell, a flinch, a refusal to meet his eyes. The lawyer met his gaze and held it.
