Mannie’s POV
The next day was Saturday.
It was supposed to be a quiet weekend.
Just me and the kids. Maybe something simple like pancakes in the morning, cartoons in the afternoon, and cuddles at night.
Instead, I found myself ironing the only decent dress I had left in my closet, braiding Lily’s hair while Jay fought Adam for socks, and listening to Mama mumble about how we couldn’t be late. Not for this kind of party.
Zarah’s mother’s 50th birthday.
I hadn’t seen that woman in years. Not since the incident. Not since everything fell apart.
And Zarah?
Let’s just say, the less I said about her, the better.
"You sure we should go?" I asked Mama quietly while Nate helped Sophie tie her shoes.
Mama gave me a look. One of those hard stares that reminded me she was raised by warriors,
