And that was that. Ceremony over, all said and done, nothing to see here, move along.

Margaret looked impatient, clearly wanting to zippity-do-da her way back to Delusionland. But no way was she going while Mom still hovered, her Enforcers gathered around her in a tight, angry knot.

Mom, I sent, feeling the rush of her relief when she felt my magicks were partially at my disposal. Just go. It's cool. Go.

With a firm nod and a flash of blue power, she did, her ...