Revenge is Best Served… After Reborn

Might as well make sure this girl never ties the knot. Ever.

I asked, "Are you guys gearing up for a showdown at The Silent Shadows' entrance?"

"A showdown? With this tiny crew? That's practically a suicide mission."

Sophie leaned back, saying, "We're just going for a look-see, but that's risky enough. You and your buddy will hang back."

I nodded, playing along.

The car cruised towards the foot of The Silent Shadows. As we piled out, everyone was fussing over their gear, prepping for the trek.

I remembered Mom telling me how every venture into those mountains was a brush with death.

Dad helped Mom strap on her gear. Adler gave us a stern look, "You two stay put. Don't even think about moving, or else..." He mimicked a throat-slash.

Alec and I just stood there, unfazed. Mr. Wesley was known for his dramatic flair. We grew up on his tales of terror.

"Tom, Jerry, keep an eye on them. No jungle adventures, got it?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Sophie slipped on her gloves, turned to me, and asked, "By the way, what's your name?"

"Fiona. Mom says time flies, and their journey is full of memories worth keeping, so I'm Fiona."

"Fiona..." Sophie mused, "That's a lovely name."

it is. Mom picked it." My

was no joke. I never truly grasped the peril until now. My parents, as tough as they were, were just human

of danger, they

be thrilled to have

into the valley. No hesitation. Like they were embracing their fate. Or perhaps, it was the

sunlight was streaming

was still out cold. I nudged him, "Alec! Wake up!

a few shakes before his eyes

night, I sneaked over the potion. Never thought we'd have such

Alec woke, we both stayed silent. The room was wrapped in

broke the silence, "Did

"Yeah."

the

"Yeah."

"This is just nuts."

could do that? I thought it was just a sleeping

jumped out of bed, opened the

Alec and me emerging

military get-up, all intense and commanding. But now, even though he was well-preserved, there were those little wrinkles and a few gray hairs peeking

same. Time really does catch up

to

How'd he

hand over

and decided to catch us. But why