From downstairs, Nyxavere's voice called up again: "Dad? I can't see anything in the Wilder house. Every time I try to look, it's just... nothing."
Parker adjusted his cufflinks with the precision of someone about to walk into cosmic warfare disguised as a social event. "We'll be down in a minute, sweetheart."
Zhang Ruoyun selected a dress that looked like captured starlight while Maya chose something that probably violated several international treaties regarding the weaponization of elegance. The three of them moved with the fluid coordination of people who'd learned to have universe-ending conversations while getting ready for parties.
"Before we head into this trap," Maya said, fastening earrings that cost more than most solar systems, "we need to talk about who we're actually dealing with."
"My exes," Parker said grimly. "The question is which one."
