" that thing was still here? " Lise muttered.

She stays silent.

Mom lowered her hand. When she turned to them again, there was understanding in her eyes, and a terrible, terrible fear. "I see," she whispered, glancing at Ethan. She trembled, and her face was ashen. She knew. She knew all about Them.

(ping)

,, We had to get Ethan. ,, Isiea explains simply, in case their mom hadnt completely figured it out.

" ... He got kidnapped. "

Mom nodded, going over to sit on the couch. They couldn't stick their heads in the sand and pretend the fey weren't out there. Machina might be gone, but the Iron Kingdom would continue to grow, poisoning the Nevernever, little by little. There was no way to stop progress or technology. Running away just didn't work--they were too stubborn and persistent. They could hold a grudge forever. Sooner or later, they would have to face the fey once more.

,, We need to go visit Aunt Izz. ,,

Lise sat down next to her, quiet.

"Ethan," Mom said after a while, once the adrenaline had worn off and the house was still, "why don't you run upstairs and wake Daddy? He'll want to know that your sisters are home. Then you can sleep between us if you want."

Ethan nodded, but at that moment, the front door creaked open, and a cold breeze shivered across the room. The moonlight beyond the door shimmered, consolidating into something solid and real.

Ash stepped over the threshold.

Mom didn't look up, but Ethan jumped. Ash looked different now, the cuts and burns healed, his hair falling softly around his face. He wore simple dark pants and a white shirt, and his sword hung at his side. Still dangerous. Still inhuman and deadly.