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“More sour is a kind way to describe a venomous mother-in-law. She made it crystal clear that I would never be accepted. Which is fine because if I was imprisoned in a marriage to Prince Granier, I’d stayed holed up in my posh bedroom and never step foot out of it.”

“Oh punkin, I’m so sorry this has happened. At the time, when we heard that you were double-fated⁠—”

“You don’t have to tell me. I was there. I mean, I went there back in time and saw the whole thing through my infant eyes.” Then I remembered my last big time travel where I saw a scene through Mom’s eyes. “Mom, I found your locket, with the pictures of your parents, the King and Queen of Troikana,” I added pointedly. “You never mentioned the whole royalty thing, but then I guess since you never mentioned Troikana or Norvale or any of this, it would have only confused me.” I paused. “Mom, I saw the assassinations through your eyes. Raina told me my mind travel lets me see the past through the eyes of a blood relative. I can’t believe what you suffered and at such a young age.”

“It seems we have both had our share of tragedy and drama. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like just to be Sassa and Raphael living in our comfy little cottage in the human world.”

“Those were the best times. I miss them terribly.”

“Me, too, Rafi.”

We’d finished the meal. Mom motioned for us to head out to the tattered but comfy sofa in front of the hearth. “How long did Revel and Lyric stay?” I asked.

“They left once you were stable. About twelve hours. They didn’t want to stay too long. Just like you can’t stay long. Revel will be back to pick you up in the morning.”

“So soon! But I spent almost all my time with you in delirium, fading in and out of consciousness. It’s not fair.”

“One thing I discovered long ago, Rafi, is nothing about life is fair.” Mom put her arm around my shoulder, and we leaned back and gazed into the dying flames in the hearth. I’d push all the other shit out of my head for now.

For tonight, at least, I had my biggest wish granted, a wish I’d all but given up on. I had my mom back.

Thirty-Two

Mom and I spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing and ignoring the dark cloud hanging over both our lives. It turned out that Raina sent Mom messages to keep her updated on everything happening in my life. That ended when Raina had to leave on my eighteenth birthday. I’d been on my own since then, but I managed to make it to a productive adulthood. I told her how I never felt as if I fit in anywhere: at school, at work or in society in general. She admitted that she worried about me struggling to be part of a world that I never belonged to in the first place, but somehow, in spite of it all, I survived. Now I was in the world I belonged in, and it had dealt me some dreadful blows. Our beloved Raina came up many times during our chat, and always, we had to pause and spend a few moments sobbing in each other’s arms. It was an emotional hurdle neither of us would ever clear. Raina had been too integral in both our lives.

Morning light never reached Mom’s little ramshackle house in the woods. The tree canopy was too thick. We’d stacked the hearth with wood, and a fragrant warm glow filled the room as I sipped hot herbal tea. Every once in a while, a noise outside pulled me to the front window. After the fourth time of getting up to check the yard, Mom laughed.

“You, my dearest daughter, are smitten with the big Valian warrior.”

My face heated with a blush. If she only knew. But no one could know. Ever. “Why do you say that?” I asked airily.

“Possibly because you keep watching out the window for him.”

“No, I’m just looking out at the landscape.” I glanced casually out the window and leaned forward. “Is that Omni?” I asked excitedly.

Mom laughed again as she walked to the window. “Right, just looking at the landscape.” She peered out. “I do get the occasional Omni visit, but that’s just an ordinary raven.” She took my hand and led me back to the fire. “I don’t blame you for falling in love with Revel. I’ve known him since he was a baby, and he has always had a superpower that draws all the attention and admiration his way. He saved our lives as we fled to the human world.”

The fire crackled and tiny red sparks floated around it like fireflies. “I saw him save us in a glitch.”

“A glitch?”

“That’s what I call my mind travel episodes. I thought there was something wrong with me.”

Mom took my hand and held it in her lap. “I’m sorry about that, Rafi. I’d hoped that your powers wouldn’t manifest if you were living on the other side of Dante Fell, outside Troikana. I calculated wrong. For a while it seemed as if you might be able to live your life out in the human world and never learn of your true history or fate, but your mind traveling became stronger and more frequent. Eventually, Fenrick tracked you down. It was only a matter of time before Granier did the same.”

This time the noise outside was the creaking sound of wagon wheels. I’d rather hoped he would pick me up on Kya, but I was sure he didn’t want to take a chance of being seen, which, in turn, would give up Mom’s hiding place. Lyric had told me the Tribunal Vault was a nasty, dark dungeon of a prison. It was crucial that Mom’s location remain a secret.

My heart sputtered at a million times its regular pace as heavy footsteps sounded on the front stoop. Revel had to turn slightly to the side to get through the small doorway. Mom gave him a quick hug, then Revel turned and our gazes smacked into each other and stayed there. He was the first to speak.

“Whisp—” He cleared his throat. “Raphael, it’s good to see you well.” He spoke formally, and I stood there also in a state of fake formality when what I really wanted to do was run straight into his arms.

“I have you to thank for bringing me here.” I put on a polite smile, but my insides and knees had turned to jelly at the sight of him. Fleeting visions of us making love kept poking about in my thoughts, causing what I was sure was a noticeable blush on my cheeks.

“Madi and Lyric talked me into it. I have to admit, I was hesitant at first. I worried that—well, I’m sure you’ve already heard all you need to know. And I’m sorry, Raphael. I’m sorry we couldn’t tell you that your mom was alive. We had to be secretive or risk having her arrested.”

“I understand. And thank you for always making sure she’s safe.” My throat tightened. “How is everyone? I know Raina was loved by all.”

Revel’s face dropped. “There’s a mountain of flowers piled up in front of the cottage. She’ll be greatly missed.” Our conversation felt forced and formal. I blamed it on both of us trying to act casual and innocent about our relationship in front of Mom.