"Nina's packing tactical gear," she announced, shifting her grip on what looked like half our apothecary—potions,protective charms, an emergency medical kit that had seen better days. "You're not going in there unprepared."
My pulse kicked up a notch. "Is she pulling out those enchanted cargo pants?" The ones she'd haggled over at the magical market like her life depended on it, insisting they were an investment.
Mom's expression went flat, that special brand ofare you seriously asking me this right nowthat only mothers have mastered. "That's a safe bet. She got them foryoufor times like this."
Right. Because my life had become one where enchanted tactical gear was a necessity rather than a luxury. I followed Mom upstairs, my stomach twisting itself into knots with each step.
Nina had transformed our bedroom into what looked like a war room. The magical clothes spread across the bed like some kind of lethal fashion show. They were bulletproof, fire-resistant, and knife-proof—mostly. The vendor had sworn by the enchantments she had woven into every thread. The weapons belts glinted in the low light next to the outfit. It was loaded with enough magical ammunition to level a small country.
Nina's head snapped up when we entered. Her eyes locked onto mine. She held up the pants, along with the reinforced jacket. "Here." She thrust the gear toward me. "The pants will stop anything short of a direct hit from a hellfire cannon, and the jacket's got reinforced plating over your heart and spine. Knife-proof, fireproof, and enchanted to redistribute kinetic energy."
I reached for them, but she didn't let go immediately, her fingers tightening on the fabric. "You're coming back." Not a question. It was anorder, delivered with the kind of certainty that brooked no argument.
"I'm coming back," I promised, catching her hands in mine. The rough texture of the enchanted fabric pressed between ourpalms. "I'm not letting Taverner take anything else from this family."
The words had barely left my lips before she yanked me forward. Her arms crushed me with a strength that belied her small frame. I buried my face in her shoulder, breathing in that familiar scent of coconut shampoo.
"I love you, sweetie," I whispered against her hair.
"I love you too, Mom." Her voice cracked. "So much."
She helped me change into them and double-checked the protections were all intact. Armed to the teeth, we headed for the nursery where the babies had been put down. The sight that greeted me nearly brought me to my knees.
Aidon stood in the center of the room, holding all three babies. Melaina was tucked against his chest with her tiny fist curled into his shirt. Thaniel was cradled in the crook of one arm, fighting sleep with those stubborn little scrunches of his face. Nyssa was nestled in the other. She watched her father as if he held all the answers to the universe. My throat closed up, emotions threatening to choke me.
I crossed to him, pressing my hand against Thaniel's downy head. "We're coming back to them."
"Yes, we are." His voice was rough. "Because I'm not letting our children grow up without us."
I took Nyssa from him, her purple eyes blinking up at me sleepily. Her shadows curled around my fingers, warm and trusting. "Mama's got to go do something dangerous, baby girl. But I promise I'm coming home to you."
She made a soft cooing sound, and my heart shattered. Nina helped us put them in their cribs and stayed with them when we made our way downstairs. Stella was coordinating with the network families and finding beds for them to rest when they could. "Ember's in one of the spare rooms, taking a nap. Kaia's bringing her pod for more backup.”
Selene nodded in agreement and pointed a finger at me. “If you don't check in every thirty minutes, we're assuming the worst and sending everyone."
I hugged Selene tightly. “We will check in as often as possible. Thank you for protecting them.”
"You know, in all my years, I never thought I'd be this old and hunting monsters," Nana muttered as she checked her weapons.
Selene rolled her eyes and cast her a fond smile. "You'd be bored in a week."
"True." She grinned, all teeth and dangerous promise. "At least this way I get to shoot something."
Midnight found us loading into Stella's SUV. "It's four hours to the facility," Stella announced, pulling onto the highway. "Jean-Marc will keep an eye on the signature and get us in."
I kept my connection to Tarja open as we drove. Her presence was like a lifeline. She was my link to home. If something went wrong, she'd tell me immediately.
"Don't do anything stupid," she sent.
"When have I ever?" I asked. Her mental snort said everything about how well she knew me.
The drive to upstate New York was silent. I dozed off pretty quickly. I was exhausted and needed the rest. Jean-Marc sent updates when we were ten minutes out. There was no movement at the property.
"We’re not far now," Stella announced just before 6 AM. “Call Jean-Marc. I want to know what’s happening.”
Pulling out my phone, I did just that. “We’re almost there,” I told him when he answered.
"What are we looking at?" Stella called out before he could respond.
