Epilogue

I runmy hands down the besparkled shirt with the words "Twink-le Camel Toes" bedazzled on the back. I've been saving this one for a special occasion. Santanos hasn't mentioned anything when I've worn some of the other shirts I reappropriated, but he will either have to admit that he's ignoring the theft, hasn't noticed, or he will have to comment on it after seeing me in this wonderfully hideous shirt.

Bellamy grimaces at me, shaking his head as we head up the elevator to Santanos' office. He's not technically supposed to be here, but since this is a family affair and not work-related, he's making an exception. "I cannot believe you put that hideous thing on."

I rub the rhinestones on it and wiggle a little to show him how pleased I am to be wearing it right now. It's not pleasure in the article of clothing; it's pleasure in the anticipation of what Santanos is going to say or do.

The elevator dings, and Edovard greets us as the doors open. "Papa, Oppa," he rumbles, opening his arms for hugs. Fox and I step into his arms, and I pull his face down so we can kiss his cheeks. Hugging Edovard always makes me feel lighter than I was before. My son likes to push his love into us to help make our hearts lighter, and I love that about him. His magic is a gift in this world.

After we let him go, he greets and hugs Bellamy as well, then turns, revealing a shortish man of Asian descent. His brown eyes wrinkle in the corners as he smiles at us. He shaves his head and wears the traditional habit of Eastern religious monks, and that tells me that this man must be Gaanbatar Batbayar, Santanos' new assassin.

I smile brightly, offering him my hand. He eyes my shirt, but politely looks back up to my face.

"Papa, this is my friend Gaanbatar. Gaanbatar, this is my papa, Romily. And this is my oppa, Fox, and this is my brother, Bellamy. He's the new Avatar of Good," Edovard says as we all shake hands with the man.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all. Pupper speaks highly of you," Gaanbatar says with an affectionate smile for Edovard.

I like him already.

Edovard says you're supposed to be part of our family.

I show him my phone after typing that. I could rely on Fox right now, but it's good to make sure new people know how to deal with my main method of communication.

Gaanbatar's almost non-existent eyebrows rise. They're dark, but sparse, yet still expressive enough to convey that he's not surprised by Edovard's statement, only by the fact that I would bring it up immediately. "I have heard that from Pupper. He's certain I belong in his family, but I believe I have found my place for the time being."

Things change so quickly, so when you're ready, we're looking for a new Acolyte for my Reaper.

I have a feeling that taking him by hand and leading him out won't have the same effect that it had when I did that to Bellamy. Gaanbatar doesn't need a rescue yet. He's content being Santanos' assassin. For now.

I wonder what kind of people the Avatar of Evil's Assassin kills. Does he kill good people to advance the agenda of Evil? It's food for thought. Having the Avatar of Evil and the Avatar of Good in the family makes for some moral gymnastics that I don't like thinking about too hard. It wouldn't help anyway, especially when we're here to kill someone who probably isn't expecting us.

Shall we?

Gaanbatar dips his head and turns. I slip my arm through his because I'm eventually going to win him over and turn him into an Acolyte, and he should get used to my love and affection. He's going to be part of our family; I'm going to treat him like he already is. He leads us past some desks and to what looks like a conference room. Inside, Santanos, Gregory, and Hassan are waiting for us.

When Santanos sees me with Gaanbatar, his eyes narrow. "Let go of my assassin. You do not get to take my—is that my bowling shirt?"

This day could not get any better.

I release Gaanbatar's arm and run my hands over the rainbow rhinestones again, exaggerating a confused expression.

This ol' thing?

I send that to the entire group, smiling when Edovard shares his phone with Gaanbatar.

"This old—" Santanos cuts himself off and looks at me levelly. "Did you steal my bowling shirt when you went to kill my parents?"

I found it just hanging around. It looked lonely, so I brought it home. You know how I am about rehoming things. You live in my house.

The only people in this room I haven't rehomed are Gaanbatar (because he hasn't accepted his fate yet) and Fox (because I rehomed myself into his house).

Santanos stares at his phone for a moment, shakes his head, and takes a deep breath, looking up to me. "I see. Well, the bowling league starts up in November, and if you're going to wear my shirt, you're going to join the team. I'll let you know when we start practice sessions."

"Oh, that's a great idea!" Edovard joyfully exclaims. "We can all be on a team! I love bowling. Maybe there's too many of us for a team, though. Santanos, should we make another team?"

Santanos smiles sweetly at him. "Don't worry about it. It's just me and Hassan right now. We have room for you and Romily."

"Great! This is going to be so fun." Edovard's happiness helps with the despair of being outmaneuvered by Santanos. Clearly he's using Edovard to force cooperation, and since I did that earlier with Hassan, I guess turnabout's fair play, right?

It's going to be so fun,I echo my pupper, laughing at myself.

Santanos looks to Hassan, who turns and draws a portal on the conference room wall. "Would you like company?" Santanos offers, looking at me even though I'm only here to spectate.

Well, I suppose Santanos would also be a spectator, though he has some magic that he can use without losing his ward.

Sure. I don't mind the company of my son-in-law.

Santanos looks slightly queasy at that label, but replies. "Then I will accompany you."

Smiling, I offer him my arm since he's the only person in this room shorter than me besides Gregory. Santanos takes my arm and we waltz through the portal together.

On the other side is a desert oasis with a man reclined in a nest under a gazebo being attended to by scantily clad men and women who all seem weirdly happy. The serene smiles are off-putting, not reassuring. When the man looks up, he's surprised to see us but doesn't look worried. "To what do I owe the pleasure of the Avatar of Evil's company?"

Lol. He thinks Santanos is the important one here.

"Hello, Apophis. Unfortunately, I'm not here to keep you company. I'm here for him," he gestures to me with his head, and the rest of our party comes through the portal.

We step out of the way as Fox, Bellamy, Gaanbatar, and Hassan all bring their swords to bear.

Apophis fucked with the Foxilys, and we don't let that shit slide.