Page 478 of Black Reign

“You know what Papa would say?”

“What?”

I look toward the window.

Afternoon sunlight stretches across the floor.

Beyond it, the French countryside rolls into the distance.

We kept the cottage.

Expanded it carefully.

Never changed the old kitchen.

Never fixed the cabinet that sticks unless you lift it.

Papa's telescope still sits in the study.

And on clear nights, Pierre takes it into the field.

The same field where I married Ghost.

I smile.

“He'd say the stars finally learned to write back.”

Xavier's expression softens.

“Probably.”

A crash sounds from somewhere down the hall.

We both turn.

Pierre calls, “I'm fine.”

I look at Xavier.

He waits.

Then:

“Do we believe him?”

“No.”

“Absolutely not.”

We start toward the hallway together.

Halfway there, Pierre runs back into the study carrying a biscuit in one hand and a tiny circuit board in the other.

“Maman.”

“Yes?”

“Can Grand-père sleep over?”