Page 206 of Dark Night of the Soul

“Did she?” Ludwig sounded delighted. “You never said you were nobility.”

“I am not,” I said flatly.

“You are,” Piers countered, unbothered.

“Okay, so… do we get promoted? Because I feel like I should get promoted,” Ludwig said.

“You’re not getting promoted,” I said.

“That’s sad, my lady.” Ludwig sounded far too amused.

“You’ll call me Anna or I’ll punch you,” I said.

Kincade’s mouth ticked. Ulrich snickered.

Footsteps on the stairs caught my attention.

Ophelia came first, running. Grace right behind her—and behind Grace…

My mother.

Ophelia collided with me, her blonde hair bouncing behind her as she grabbed me in a bear hug.

“You’re home!”

Behind me, Ludwig said, “Oh, hey.”

Ophelia didn’t even flinch. Didn’t loosen her grip. Like Ludwig had spoken into a void.

“Ophelia,” I choked, half laughing. “Air.”

“No,” she said. “You don’t get air until I’ve confirmed you’re real.”

Her arms tightened once more, and then—finally—she pulled back, eyes shining, face tight with emotion like she refused to cry in front of an audience.

“I’m real. I promise.”

Grace stepped in next. Not fast. Not dramatic. Inevitable. She grabbed my hands in both of hers and looked at me like she was counting every bruise that wasn’t there.

“We were worried sick,” she said.

“I know. I’m sorry about that.” Like I had any control over it.

Her eyes were watering, and I knew she was trying not to cry.

“Now that I’m home,” I said, breezily, “I need a home cooked meal because these guys can’t cook.” I thumbed over my shoulder.

“Hey!” Ludwig said, affronted. “I kept you fed.”

“Whatever you want,” she said. “I’ll make it.”

“I’ll give you a list,” I said with a smile.

And then Grace stepped aside and there was my mother.

We looked at each other for a long moment.

Then she reached for my hand, squeezed it once. “I’m glad you’re back.”