“Yeah. We all go with Auntie Camilla to the swearing in.”

Sanctus raises her white eyebrows. “Now that’s a top notch idea, Dani.” She turns to Mom. “There’s no law against it, as long as you don’t mind.”

“Mind? I’d love it.” Mom claps her hands. “Everyone, Sanctus and I have an important announcement to make. You’re all joining me at the swearing-in ceremony!” The room erupts in a cheer. Mom turns to Tim. “Can you open a portal for us, please?”

Tim nods. “Of course.” A black hole about eight feet high opens in the center of the room.

Mom positively beams. “Now, everyone, grab the hand of the person next to you and don’t let go! We’ll all portal into the Senate chambers together.” There’s a murmur and shuffling of feet as everyone forms a long daisy chain. “Are we all ready?”

Another cheer erupts around the room. This time, I let out a happy shout as well. I can’t believe I have this awesome family hiding out somewhere!

Mom grips Tim’s hand firmly. “Alright, then. We’re off!”

One by one, every member of my amazing, newfound family steps through the portal. Last in line is Grandmother with little Dani perched on her hip. As they disappear into the darkness, the image in the Gray Sea changes. The diplomatic offices transform from reality back into sand. The granules slowly collapse into the floor of the Gray Sea.

I wake with a jolt, stretch and smile, smile, smile. Reading about the Senate doesn’t compare to seeing Mom in her purple robes, smiling and confident. I press my palms into my eyes and yawn. My mind races through every moment of the dreamscape.

Senator Camilla Lewis, wow.

Resetting my pillow beneath my head, I stare out the window. The sky’s still dark; I glance at my alarm clock. 4 AM. Rain streams down the windowpane. My anger with Lincoln feels a million miles away. How’d I let some dope get my demon so riled up? There are more important things to worry about. Like meeting my family.

Speaking of which…

I set my bare feet onto the chilly floor, tiptoe into Mom’s room, and stand by the foot of her bed. My body hums with nervous, happy energy.

“Mom, are you awake?”

She yawns. “Having trouble sleeping, Myla?” She pats the space beside her.

“You could say that.” I plunk onto the bed with a small bounce, my back resting against the headboard.

Mom’s chocolate eyes open wide. “Did you get a dreamscape from Verus?”

I grin. “Oh, yeah.”

She takes a deep breath. “Do you have any questions?”