Chapter 5: The Fragile Thread
Julian looked down at his useless legs, then back at Finch. "Is the damage permanent now? After three years of these injections?"
Finch shook his head quickly. "No. The inhibitor wears off naturally within forty-eight hours if the treatment stops. The nerve pathways are intact. Julian... you can walk again. You could have walked three years ago."
A heavy silence filled the room. Julian closed his eyes, processing the reality that three years of his youth, his freedom, and his trust had been stolen by a web of betrayal. Yet, looking at Finch, he saw a broken man who had been forced to choose between a friend and his child.
"What was that cylinder Lily found?" Julian asked.
"It contains the master key to the Syndicate's encrypted network," Finch said. "I was preparing to run tonight. I couldn't carry the secret anymore. I dropped it in the water basin when I was packing my bag at your house. I intended to leave it where only you might eventually find it, but your little niece found it first."
Julian took a deep breath. "If you run, Arthur and Apex win. They will keep poisoning this family and this city."
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"What choice do I have?" Finch asked desperately.
"Help me stand up," Julian said firmly. "And then help me finish this."
