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."

Mom picked it."

I never truly grasped the peril until now. My

of danger, they forged ahead, sheer

mom must be thrilled to have

I watched them walk, hand in hand, into the valley. No hesitation. Like they were embracing their fate. Or perhaps,

was streaming in,

cold. I nudged him, "Alec! Wake up! You

a few shakes before his eyes fluttered open, realizing

potion. Never

silent. The room was wrapped in

the silence, "Did you dream

"Yeah."

it the

"Yeah."

"This is just nuts."

bottle could do that? I thought it was

bed, opened the door, and

me emerging together, Dad's brow

to the dream-Dad in his military get-up, all intense and commanding. But now, even though he was well-preserved, there

Time really does catch

shenanigans were you two up to last night? Your

godfather? How'd he

my hand over my

But why not just wake us himself? Why call in