I've recently put the nurturing skills I developed during my rigorous training as "the Mother" to good use and opened a small bakery. It's a cozy little shop nestled in the heart of the village, and though it doesn't make me rich, it provides enough income to cover basic expenses like rent and utilities. It's honest, fulfilling work that keeps me grounded—a sharp contrast to the life I left behind.
Yes, I still have access to the money I've saved over the years, as well as the dividends from countless investments I've carefully curated. But for the sake of appearances, I live modestly. I'm playing a long game here, and as a single mother raising two young children, it's important that the villagers continue to see me as one of their own—a hardworking woman doing her best to provide for her family. If they knew the truth about who I am and the life I used to lead, their perception of me would shift drastically, and that's not something I can afford right now.
My shop has been doing well so far, and it's been a blessing to have Scarlett and Sebastian by my side every day. The twins are four years old now, and their personalities couldn't be more different. Scarlett is an absolute ray of sunshine—a bubbly, curious child who charms everyone she meets. She has this infectious laughter that lights up the room and a playful energy that reminds me of the childhood I never had. Watching her embrace her innocence so fully feels like healing a wound I didn't even know I carried.
Sebastian, on the other hand, is her complete opposite. Quiet, serious, and intensely focused, he's already showing signs of brilliance that sometimes scare me. I often wonder if it's his father's genes that make him this way—distant and calculating, even at such a young age. Under the tutelage of my sisters, he's excelled in a variety of subjects far beyond his age. His latest fascination is with computers, and Rose has hinted that he's already been assisting with missions requiring technological expertise.
I've tried so hard to shield the twins from the darker aspects of my life, but that illusion shattered two years ago when Rose arrived unexpectedly. She brought a message from Mother—one that involved my son. While I've managed to keep Scarlett blissfully unaware of our family's dangerous legacy, Mother has taken a keen interest in Sebastian's potential. It terrifies me, but it's not something I can openly defy. So, I tread carefully, balancing their normal lives with the shadows that threaten to consume them.
"Are you two ready?" I called out to the twins as I began locking up the café for the day.
"Finally," Sebastian muttered, his tone dripping with the exasperation of someone far older than four years. He slid his laptop into his backpack with a practiced efficiency that reminded me of Alex. Scarlett, meanwhile, was skipping around, chatting with a few of the villagers who had stopped by to wave goodbye. Her social nature has done wonders for our relationships with the locals. They adore her, and in turn, she's helped make the bakery feel like a cornerstone of the community.
Once we were all set, we began the short walk home. The town is small, and I've never felt the need for a car. Besides, the strolls give me time to decompress after the day and let the twins burn off a bit more energy.
But tonight felt different. As we approached our street, I noticed something that made my heart drop—the lights in my house were on. I knew for a fact I had turned them off before leaving that morning.
"Stay close," I said sharply, my voice losing its usual warmth. My instincts kicked in immediately. I stopped and pulled out my phone, quickly checking the group chat with my sisters for any updates. There were no messages about anyone visiting me. My stomach tightened.
Reaching into my purse, I retrieved my gun, the cold metal a reassuring weight in my hand. "Stay behind me," I ordered. Scarlett clung to Sebastian, who, without a word, slipped his small but deadly mini-gun—a custom piece Azee had made for him—out of his own bag.
We moved cautiously up the path to the front door. I glanced back to ensure the twins were safe, then turned my focus to the lock. Slowly, I unlocked the door and pushed it open, my gun raised and ready.
The living room was still and eerily quiet, but the soft hum of activity in the kitchen betrayed the presence of an intruder. My fingers tightened on the grip as I took a step forward, scanning the space.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the kitchen, holding a beer in one hand and looking far too relaxed for my liking.
"Oh, you're back! Why are you being so quiet?"
The voice stopped me in my tracks, and I felt a rush of conflicting emotions. Relief came first, flooding through me as I lowered my weapon. But it was quickly replaced by a surge of irritation.
"Uncle Luc!" Scarlett's excited squeal pierced the tension as she bolted past me and threw herself into his arms.
Sebastian followed more reservedly, but the rare smile on his face betrayed his happiness as he gave Luc a firm hug.
I locked the door behind us and slipped my gun back into my purse, but the unease didn't dissipate. Luc rarely visited, and when he did, it was never without a reason.
As I watched him interact with the twins, my heart sank. Something was wrong. His presence here could only mean trouble.
"Luc," I said sharply, interrupting the reunion. "What are you doing here?"
He looked at me over Scarlett's head, his expression unreadable. "We need to talk," he said, his tone grave.
My stomach churned. I ushered the twins upstairs, promising them I'd come tuck them in soon. Once they were out of earshot, I turned back to Luc, crossing my arms.
"Well? What is it?"
Luc sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "It's about Sebastian. Mother's made her move, and I'm here to make sure you're ready for what's coming."
The room seemed to close in around me. My worst fears were coming to life.
"I thought I had more time," I whispered.
"You don't," he replied grimly. "And neither does he."