I set my hands onto the dark ground, creating a circle of white flame. My mother’s form rises from the earth, her body made from granules of sand. The ring of fire flashes higher, then vanishes. Mom now appears in flesh and blood. She wears her purple robes and stands before the speaker podium in the Senate chamber.

“I stand before you today to address an issue that many of you will find hard to accept.” Mom clears her throat. “Many believe that the differences between ghouls and demons run so deep, there could never be an alliance between them.” She scans the chamber floor. Most Senators whisper in small groups. A handful watch her with mild interest. Xavier leans against the back wall in his gray suit, his face creased with worry. Tim stands in the doorway, his eyes large with fear.

Mom slams her fist on the podium. More Senators glare in her direction. “I won’t mince words. I believe Ambassador Armageddon is creating an alliance with ghouls for the invasion of Purgatory. We must act!”

A gray-haired senator with a lanky body and an elephant tail takes to his feet. “Senator Lewis, we’ve been over this before. These allegations are not the work of a sane mind. You’ve been warned about this. If you continue on this path, we must move for your impeachment.”

My breath catches. My mother…Impeached? The word rattles around my brain, sending jolts of shock and alarm though my system.

The Senate chamber springs to life. All attention glues to Mom as she starts a shouting match with the elder Senator.

Xavier rushes forward to stand beside Mom. “The issue of Armageddon will be tabled for the day, thank you.” He wraps his long arm about Mom’s shoulder and guides her to the back wall of the Senate chamber.

My body relaxes. Disaster averted.

Mom and Xavier huddle by the chamber wall. She shoves his hand off her shoulder. “Why did you do that?”

“Senator Adams was about to start impeachment proceedings.”

Her eyes glow red. “And I was about to start calling for your replacement.”

He grins. “I suppose I should send Senator Adams a gift basket, then.” His eyes flare blue. “Do you think he likes peanuts?”

Mom’s frown warms into a sad smile; her eyes fade to chocolate brown. “If you’re going to say ‘I told you so,’ get it over with.”

“I won’t.” Xavier pauses. “How about taking a break? I hear there’s a lovely garden behind your diplomatic offices. We could get ice cream on the way.” He leans in closer, whispering in her ear. “When’s the last time you ate ice cream?”

Okay, this guy is a total cutie. Why couldn’t Mom have hooked up with him? Part of me wonders if she did at some point. My rock-solid faith in Mom’s inability to lie is officially starting to crumble.