Once we made it back to the lodge, I caught up to my mom and asked her a favor. “Hey, with all these weird coincidences, I’d feel a bit better if we had some security. Do you think you could have some of your E-rankers patrol Wintervale for us?”

“Of course, honey!” She said with a beaming smile. “We can’t interfere in the internal politics of the region, but that’s mainly a restriction on rank. Having my E-rankers keep an eye out is still fine.” She frowned. “I know Ezekial took a look around as he was monitoring you, and I did a little poking about myself after you were all clear. I didn’t find anything.”

I sighed. “Damn. I guess I’m really just imagining things.”

“No.” She said bluntly. “I mean I DIDN’T find ANYTHING. There are no traces of what caused those Wendigos to evolve. One or two of them would be fine, but a whole pack of dozens of demons ranking up together? That only happens when alchemy or other unusual means are involved. There was no sign of any of that.”

I got what she was saying. “You’re saying in this case, the lack of evidence itself is the biggest red flag? Why would something that could hide from YOU be on this planet?”

“That is an excellent question.” She said with a troubled frown. “Theoretically it could be some extremely niche ability that happens to perfectly counter my means of investigation, like spatial isolation counters Perception. But the chances of that are…slim.”

Sighing, I slumped down into a chair, head in my hands. “Great. So we have to worry about-”

“Nothing.” She snapped icily. My head jerked up, and I stared right into her blazing eyes. “You don’t worry about a thing. I’ll figure out what’s going on, and I’ll put a stop to it.” She leaned forward and grabbed me, yanking me into a bone crushing hug.

Her voice was hoarse as she said softly. “I wasn’t here for your childhood. I missed so many big events, so many firsts. I’m finally here with you, at your wedding, welcoming the love of your life into our family. I get to be a part of one of the most important days you’ll ever have, and I won’t let anyone ruin it. Not for me, but for you. Because I owe you that. That and so much more. I love you honey, and if someone wants to ruin your wedding they’ll do it over my dead body.”

I squeezed her back. “Hey now, I don’t want any death flags here. I just got you back after thinking you were dead most of my life. Don’t EVER tell Callie I said this, but we can have another ceremony. Your health is more important.”

“She doesn’t need to tell me.” Said the amused voice of my fiancee as she stepped from the shadows beside us. “Because that’s obvious, you big lummox. I know I might have been acting a bit wedding crazy, but what kind of person do you think I am?” Sadly I couldn’t hide the surge of smug amusement, and she caught on. “Damn it, how long did you know I was there?”

“Since the beginning, love.” I said with a laugh. “It’s rude to eavesdrop. If you wanted to know what’s up you could just ask.”

She plopped down on the bench next to me. We were outside in a courtyard, and as she sat she pulled my mom to sit between us. “He’s right though. The wedding is important, but everyone’s health and safety obviously takes priority. That said, I have faith in you Sasha. I know you can figure out what’s going on and handle it for us.”

My mom beamed at her for a second, then her face twisted in an expression of pensive distaste. “Yeah…about that. I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” Callie froze, panic filling her face as she tried to figure out what my mom meant by that. Mom let her stew for another second or two before finishing. “I think Sasha, is a bit formal for a family member. I was thinking “mom” sounds better.”

Callie blanched. “I…I mean, that’s…wow. But my mom is around and what if she feels weird about that? Not that I don’t want to call you that, or I’m not grateful, or that I don’t think you’re a good mom, because you’re a great mom, even though you weren’t around for Shane, but that’s not your fault and-”

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

I clapped a hand over her mouth. “Sweet Revenant Callie, BREATHE!” That whole thing had been basically one single breath, I was worried she might suffocate.

My mom just chuckled at her. “Your mother is fine with it. Her only demand is that Shane refer to her the same way. Says it’s only fair. He went from having no mother to having two in just a year or so. Probably overwhelming for the boy.”

“I’m sitting right here.” I informed them helpfully. “In ear shot. Listening to you both talk about me like I don’t exist.”

My mother patted me on the cheek. “That’s nice dear.”

Callie burst out laughing, and I rolled my eyes, muttering about being ganged up on. My heart wasn’t in it though. I loved that they were getting along. Callie seemed thoughtful for a bit, then finally nodded. “Alright. I’ll call you mom. But you have to call me Callie. No more of this Calliope nonsense. I know you only use Zeke’s full name because it bugs him, but I want the nickname.”

“I suppose that’s fair.” My mom conceded. “Callie it is.” She leaned in and gave my fiancee a hug of her own. “Welcome to the family, honey. I know it’s a bit early, and I might not exactly have the right to be the one extending the greeting, but-”

“Of course you do.” I said sharply. “Just because I’m still pissed about some of the choices you made doesn’t mean you aren’t my mom. It means a lot.”

She put her hand over her mouth, eyes welling up with tears. “That’s…thank you. Shane. Both of you. Thank you so much.” We both got caught up in this hug, and I laughed a bit, letting myself relax a bit.

Some kids treat their parents like superheroes. Like they can do anything, and solve any problem. Ironically, my parents basically WERE superheroes, but I’d had that illusion of invincibility stripped away a long time ago. I didn’t know if my mom was going to be able to figure out what was going on, and magically fix everything like she wanted to.

But I also didn’t care. Because just for a second, sitting there with my family, I was able to let myself believe it. I felt safe, and happy, and even if she couldn’t fix things, that was enough. Because she loved me, and she was trying, and that was all I could really ask from anyone, wasn’t it?

“Speaking of Amelia.” I said, my mind shifting back to an earlier part of the conversation. “Is she alright? Alex was with us, if something is really happening around here, wouldn’t she-”

My mom laughed. “I left Andrew with her. If getting past an A-rank soldier of the Church was possible for these…enemies, they wouldn’t bother with subterfuge. Assuming there is an enemy and we aren’t all just paranoid lunatics.”

“It could be both.” I admitted with a shrug. “But yeah, Andrew should be more than enough. I hadn’t seen him around for a while. Where has he been, anyway?”

She shrugged. “Around. The Necromedes is a big ship, and there are several passenger sections for higher ranked Ascendants with far more luxurious amenities than the areas you’re allowed to visit. Pedigree only goes so far, you know. True strength is still the most important thing.”

“Noted.” I said with a laugh. “Hopefully I can hit D-rank before our next big trip. I look forward to seeing more of that.”

My mom sniffed. “I can’t believe my babies are going to be Masters. It’s like watching you all take your first steps. I’m so proud of all of you. That goes for you too Callie. You’re an impressive young woman, and I’m thrilled you’ll be joining the family. I couldn’t have asked for a better wife for my boy.”

Callie smirked. “Well, I need someone pretty to do the cooking while I’m out slaying gods.” She winked at me. “He does the job.” I felt her love and adoration through the bond, and flooded it right back, reaching over to clasp hands with her.

“You two are so cute.” My mom practically squealed. “I’m going to go tell Amy that you agreed. She’s almost as excited about this as I am. I’ll leave you two kids alone.” Winking, she vanished from between us, appearing at the end of the hall casually as if she’d just taken a step.

My fiancee smiled after her. “Am I completely crazy, or did she somehow manage to basically order us to give her grandchildren without verbally saying a word about it.”

“Right?” I said plaintively. “It’s uncanny. Not that I plan on having kids soon.” I said bluntly. “No offense, but we’re still really young. I want to marry you, and have a family with you eventually, but we’re not even twenty. There’s no rush.”

She laughed, putting her hands up in pre-emptive surrender. “Oh trust me, I’m right there with you. I adore you, and kids sound good…eventually. But I’m nowhere near that point mentally. I’m still dealing with the damage my own parents did.”

“Preaching to the choir.” I sighed. I put an arm around her. “But she’s right you know. I’m lucky as hell to have you.”

She leaned up to kiss my mask. “I make jokes, but I can’t imagine spending my life without you. You’re…you’re a part of me, Shane. Maybe it’s the bond, but when you’re not with me I feel like there’s a part of me missing.”

Her head leaned on my shoulder, and I brushed my fingers through her hair. “Save it for the vows, love.” I said with a soft smile. “I could go on an hour long rant about all the reasons I love you, but I don’t want to use up all my good material. I really can’t believe that this time next week you’ll be my wife.”

“I can’t believe I’ll be anyone’s wife.” She said with a laugh. “Not that I wasn’t planning to get married eventually, but it’s just such a weird label to apply to me. I’m not a wife. A wife is like, mature and wise. My mom is a wife. Your mom is a wife. I’m a perfectionist and an occasional dumbass.”

“Occasional?” I asked sardonically, getting an elbow in my ribs and a scathing glare. “I’m kidding. I get it. I don’t feel like anyone’s husband. But I guess we’ll have to figure that stuff out together. Because even if I don’t feel like someone’s husband, when I think of all the things a wife would mean to someone, all I think of is you.”

She grinned smugly. “And you said you didn’t want to waste your good material. Now, almost-husband, why don’t you get some practice in and carry me over the threshold of our room.” She snuggled up to me expectantly, nuzzling into my side.

I nodded sagely. “That’s probably for the best.” I admitted. “Gotta get my reps in to make sure I can handle the walk. You are shockingly heavy.” I activated Double Trouble on a plant down the hall just in time to hear her squawk of offense. I triggered State of Grace and took off for our room, Callie screaming in outrage as she chased me through the halls (I could feel her barely suppressed laughter). Thinking about everything, I’d never been more sure about my wedding. I wanted things to be like this for the rest of our lives.