Chapter 799: Homecoming

Meira grinned at me like it was funny. And it was, in a way. She sat behind Dad's old desk-Ahbi's, too-and bounced a little in the chair.

"Comfy," she said. Winked.

Oh. My. Swearword.

Dad laughed, hugged me abruptly. "Meems, pumpkin," loved his pet name for her, though I liked cupcake better despite years of protest, "I'm sorry to do this to you."

"You've already apologized, Dad," she said, looking quite pleased with herself. Hard to remember she was only fourteen with that evil grin, hands rubbing together in expectation. "I'm going to do some housecleaning first. Then the real fun will start."

I shook my head, giggling. "Just leave a few of the planes standing."

She shrugged, inspected her nails. "We'll see."

"I take it the Node is fine?" It felt fine, Demonicon still intact at least.

"It was in balance long before Ahbi took up residence," Meira said. "She was only just hitchhiking anyway."

I looked up at Dad who sighed deeply, lines of anxiety leaving his face.

"You're cra