Love in the Shadows - 27. Chapter 27: Shifter Surfacing

Oh… Oh, gods, my head! What the hell happened? Vincent’s eyelids flickered and barely opened. He realized he was in bed, but he couldn’t remember how he got there. I can’t remember a damn thing! Last thing I remember’s falling out of the truck and being carried in the house. His stomach rumbled. Did I even eat anything last night?

Slipping on shorts and socks, he noticed his waist was slimmer. Looks like I need to go clothes shopping again. Great! Touching his defined abs, he shrugged. Guess I can’t complain.

A knock at the door startled him. Before it opened, Vincent sniffed. “Hey, big guy.”

Mason entered and smiled. “Hey, you’re awake.” He crawled onto the bed with Vincent and peppered him with kisses. “You’re going to need a razor. Not sure if I can handle you with a beard.”

Shocked, Vincent rubbed his cheeks. The stubble prickled his fingers. “Holy shit! I haven’t been able to grow facial hair.” Giving Mason a pouty face, he did his best to sound innocent. “You wouldn’t like me if I grew a beard?”

“Hey, now,” Mason murmured. “If you want to grow one, I’ll get used to it. I’m just saying you were already adorable when you were clean-shaven. You’re mine, beard or no beard.”

When Mason licked Vincent’s mating mark, the mage shuddered and gasped. “Oh, fuck! Do that some more.” He barely saw the alpha’s golden irises when the tongue swiped the spot again. “Gods, fuck me.” Hearing Mason’s growl turned him on even more.

“I would, but we got company coming. The Gages are on their way for breakfast. You feel up for helping me cook?”

Dejected, Vincent grumbled and stood with tented shorts. “What do you mean help? The only breakfast you can cook’s bacon and omelets.” When his ass was swatted, he chuckled. “You know I’m joking. Other than a headache, I’m good to cook. I’m sure Tasha’ll hop in to help. Let the wives take care of everything.”

“Oh, you think you’re cute?”

Stepping into the kitchen, Vincent bobbed his head from side to side and hummed. “Yeah, I’d say so.” Grabbing two packages of bacon from the fridge, he asked, “So, what happened last night?”

Mason leaned on the island. “You don’t remember anything?”

“Nope. I fell out of the truck like a dolt and got to the couch. That’s pretty much it.”

As if realizing he should be useful, Mason reached for and handed Vincent a skillet from the hanging pan rack. “After we got you inside, your headache became worse. Then you started screaming bloody murder and fell to the floor.”

Scared, Vincent stopped opening the bacon. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah. I… I honestly thought I was going to lose you. After that, you were possessed.”

“Poss—” Vincent rolled his eyes. “C’mon, Mace. Be serious for once.”

“I am,” Mason argued. “You were actually possessed. Your eyes were glowing white.”

Smelling his mate’s pheromones, he bit the inside of his cheek. “You’re telling the truth. I was actually possessed? By who?”

Mason sighed and stared. “Lord Bol.”

Vincent swallowed, making his mouth dry. “B-Bol? That’s…” Backing away, he couldn’t believe what he heard. “That’s insane!”

“You’re telling me? Proved it and everything. He instantly knew you were my destined, and said we were one of his sister’s precious gifts. Told me about the history of my living room floor too. He came to give me and the guys a message.”

“A message? Like what? Was it good or bad?”

Mason scowled. “Bad. He said Aliz has a destiny for you and Stefan, and it involves your fight with him. The Seven saw what would follow if either of you win, and they deemed it important enough to interfere. Bol didn’t say what exactly happens, but he told us you need to win.”

It felt as if the world rested on his shoulders. Before, fighting Stefan seemed like a straightforward concept: he would kill the man who murdered his parents. I can lose, he realized. And Stefan would do something after the fact that caused the Gods to warn us? “So… That’s something,” Vincent mumbled.

Mason held him by the waist. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Vinnie. You’re not alone in this. Bol charged the three of us with protecting you, and he said you can talk to him by praying.”

The drop of relief felt was nothing compared to the conflict in his mind. “Then why didn’t he just pop in my head in the first place?”

“He said something about it had to happen, but it’s over now.”

“I need to kill him,” Vincent said sternly. He huffed. “I need to get stronger. I… I can’t allow whatever happens to happen.”

Mason lifted Vincent’s chin, forcing him to look at him. “We, my mate. We will get him. You’re not alone.”

The two glanced at the front door as they heard gravel shifting. “That’s probably Caleb and Tash. I can ask them to come back later—”

“No, I’m fine,” Vincent lied. “Having them will get it off my mind. You want to let them in?”

After a much-needed hug, Mason left for the living room. Just as Vincent heard the door open, a child yelled, “Alpa!”

Despite the dreadful thoughts, Vincent smiled, only to realize he needed a shirt. He zipped through the shadows, fetched a tee from a drawer, and hastily put it on before stepping out to greet the Gages. A giggling toddler was wrapped around Mason’s leg, and Caleb was toting a colorful backpack.

Mason cried playfully, “Augh! You got the Al-fah!”

“Alpa,” insisted the child.

“Lowe, that’s not how you’re supposed to greet your alpha,” Tasha scolded the child while baring her neck. “Sorry, Mace. Maybe one day, he’ll stop attacking you.”

“That’s alright. I can already tell he’s going to be a great shifter. Isn’t that right, little Lowe?”

Lowe shook his fists at his side indignantly. “I not wittle!”

Raising his hands, Mason backpedaled. “Oh, I’m sorry, mighty Lowe. So big and strong!”

Caleb knelt. “Lowe, come to daddy.” The squirt ran and was picked up. Carrying his son over his shoulder, the lion turned to Vincent. “Good, looks like you’re back to normal.”

“As much as I can be,” Vincent retorted. “I’m about to get things started in the kitchen.”

“M-mmm,” Tasha hummed. “Not without me, you’re not. I know you got that mac and cheese on lock but let’s see what you do with eggs.”

Leading the way, Vincent grabbed the rest of the food to be cooked. “So, how’s Tasha today?”

Her eyes looked at him from head to toe. “Better than you, from what Cay told me about last night. You good?”

Vincent barely nodded. “Feeling okay, just a lot to think about.”

“Don’t think about it too hard. You got a shift to deal with soon. You definitely changed plenty since I saw you at the meeting.”

“Right? It’s been a lot. Do you know how awful it is having a stray hair on your nipple?”

Tasha cackled and reached for a large skillet. “I can’t deal wit’chu!”

The pair worked in sync. They handed each other pans without asking and instantly knew what went where. Tasha flipped the bacon with a fork while Vincent whisked the eggs and added plenty of seasoning. He scooted over while Tasha slid a tray of biscuits into the oven, and she inched forward as he set dirty dishes in the sink.

“You know,” Tasha said, “it’s been way too long since I had this good flow with someone in the kitchen.”

“Same. Mace does a decent job, but he tends to hover a bit.” Seeing Mason and Caleb enter, Vincent smiled. “You didn’t hear that.”

Mason smirked. “Hear what?” He leaned and stole a kiss before grabbing plates and cutlery. “Say, Tash? I’ve been meaning to ask. With you and Caleb being different species, has Doc said anything about what Lowe’s going to be when he grows up?”

“Well, there’s three possibilities. There’s a good chance he’ll be a lion, and a lower chance of being a leopard. But Doc also said he could also become a lipard.”

“Lipard?” Mason raised a brow. “Sounds made up.”

Vincent squealed. “That would be so cool if he was a lipard! A lipard’s a cross between a male lion and a female leopard, compared to a leopon, which is the opposite.”

“They exist?”

“Yeah, they were reserved for old zoo carnivals, but animal-protection groups halted all processes for creating more. I read the last one was killed back in the eighties in Japan.”

Tasha snickered. “They didn’t account for me and Caleb. Whatever Lowe comes out to be, we’ll be excited for him.” She peeked in the oven, grimaced, and turned the knob to a lower setting. “I think we put the biscuits in too early.”

“We’re almost done,” Vincent said. “Go ahead pull them out. It’ll give these two something to gnaw on.”

With the food done, everyone loaded their plates and sat. Caleb was quick to bite into a bacon strip. “So, Vin. You excited to shift?”

“I’m looking forward to it. My wolf can’t wait to run with Mason.”

Mason kneaded Vincent’s knee under the table. “Same here, but you do remember the first one’s going to hurt like a bitch, right?”

“Yeah, but it can’t be that bad.”

Tasha snorted while supervising Lowe’s eating. “I’d rather pop out twins.”

Mason and Caleb laughed, but Vincent understood. Uh oh. This isn’t going to be fun.

It okay, his wolf said reassuringly. I here.

Smiling, the mage sighed. “My wolf and I got this, and Mace’ll be there.”

“Damn right,” Mason uttered before leaning over to kiss Vincent.

“You two are too cute,” Tasha remarked. “Makes me remember how much I love Cay-Cay.”

“Cay-Cay?” Vincent asked incredulously. “Oh, that’s real adorable, G-man.”

Piercing a piece of egg, Caleb scoffed. “Easy there, Little B. Don’t want me to tell stories about summer camp, do ya?”

Vincent glared at the lion. “You wouldn’t.”

Caleb’s eyebrows flicked upward, and Mason chuckled. “I’d love to hear ‘em.”

“Alright,” Tasha interrupted, “put the weapons down. Don’t need the munchkin learnin’ anything nasty.”

Thankful for Tasha’s intervention, Vincent took another bite. He noticed her plate and how it was barely touched. “Tasha, would you like to me zap that in the microwave, or make some fresh food?”

“Nah. Just making sure the little man eats.”

“I’ll take over, hon,” Caleb offered, pivoting in his seat.

Tasha grabbed her fork and muttered, “Thank you, Dinbe. Sweet of you though, Vin. It’s the price you pay when you have a kiddo. You get used to cold food fast.”

Paying more attention, Vincent saw how tired the two appeared. “If you guys ever need a night to yourselves, let me know, and I’ll take Lowe off your hands.”

“Yeah,” Mason agreed. “I can tell you’re exhausted. Maybe after Vincent’s initial shift, we can take him for a weekend.”

The parents exchanged glances as if they had won the lottery. Caleb grinned at the alphas. “That’d be awesome! We’ve been trying to find a sitter for the longest time that would take Lowe for that long. Are you sure about that?”

“We’d have a blast,” Mason assured. “Either us, or I’m sure Mom and Dad wouldn’t mind if we couldn’t. How does that sound, Lowe; staying with Alpha and Vinnie for a bit?”

Lowe looked at Mason, then Vincent, and slapped the table playfully. “Yeah! I stay at Alpa and Vinsy place!”

Mason laughed. “You hear that, Vinsy?”

The mage couldn’t help but join in. “I actually like that nickname. I think it suits me.”

After everyone was finished eating, Vincent took charge of doing dishes, much to Tasha’s protest. He loaded the dishwasher and scrubbed the pans that wouldn’t fit. Joining everyone in the living room, he sat next to Mason on the sofa. “So, a weekend with Lowe?”

“It’ll be great,” Mason said. “What all do we need to know?”

“Not much,” Caleb answered. “He’s not the biggest fan of vegetables, so we’ve been buying this smoothie blend. He loves it, and it gives him all the nutrients he needs. But just a heads-up, he’s difficult to put down for a nap.”

Lowe clenched his crayon and made a striking face. “No! No nap.”

Mason smirked. “But that’s how you get big and strong like Al-pha. I take plenty of naps, don’t I, Pup?”

Playing along with the lie, Vincent patted Mason’s stomach. “Yep. Naps help you, Lowe. Don’t you want to have energy to play longer, or run faster?”

Beaming, Lowe exclaimed, “Yeah! But no nap!”

Vincent leaned on his mate. He felt his wolf in deep thought. What’s up?

This… This feel stronger than pack.

Yep. I grew up with Caleb back in Maryland, so I consider him family.

Family…

That makes them your family too, bud.

The wolf huffed inside Vincent’s head. Bud. Why call this?

Bud’s short for buddy. You’re a part of me, and I consider you a friend.

Feeling his animal spirit’s elation with a newfound family, Vincent recounted his time being in Owensville. It’s been a long time since I called anyone a friend. Mace, Caleb… Now Tasha and even Lowe.

Me, the wolf added. Not forget me.

How could I forget you? You’re always going to be here with me.

Yes, always!

***

Over the next few days, Mason and Vincent’s schedule was full of fun. They went to Mesker Park City for an all-day date, enjoying a café brunch, walking along the riverfront, shopping, and a steakhouse dinner. The two went to the large movie theater with the intention of watching, but succumbed to acting like horny high-schoolers.

On the morning of his first shift, Vincent’s wolf practically demanded to go on a run, and Mason agreed. After dressing, the mage watched his mate shift. Heading outside to the warm, late-August air, Vincent stretched before jogging toward the trees. They playfully chased each other for over an hour in the woods before tiring out. He sat against his favorite tree and sighed as Mason curled against his leg. Damn, bud! Running might be our new favorite activity.

Yes, the wolf panted. Tired. Need food. Deer sound good.

Uh-uh. Just have Mace take us out for breakfast.

He do that? You make him do that?

Well, I don’t make him. It’s more of a suggestion.

How do?

You may be a wolf, but I have puppy eyes. Watch and learn. “That was fun, big guy. I can’t feel my legs.”

The silver wolf nudged Vincent’s knee.

“Love you too. I’m so excited to become just like you. Then we can actually run together.”

Mason snorted and laid his head on Vincent’s lap.

Mate say he excited.

Whoa! Amazed, Vincent rubbed his mate behind the ears. He said that with a snort?

Yes. You learn speak when shift.

Grinning, the mage patted Mason on the side. “My wolf says you’re pretty psyched too. I’m not sure about you, but I could go for some JD’s, or even Nini’s.”

At the mention of food, Mason perked up and trotted toward the house. “Hey,” Vincent called out, “wait for me!”

The couple showered and drove into town, settling on going to Nini’s. “Alright, Pup,” Mason said, rubbing Vincent’s knee. “You got about five hours until you shift. This’ll probably be your last meal as a full-fledged human.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Vincent mumbled. “It’s a little bittersweet, but I’m ready to be a full-fledged shifter instead.”

“I’m happy for ya, but be careful. You’ll become a shifter, but others’ll be able to tell you were once human.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

Mason grumbled. “It depends on who you’re around. Most shifters are supportive or non-caring. There are traditionalist fucks that frown upon human turnings, thinking shifters should be pure-blood. You might get some dirty looks, maybe even a challenge, but I know you can handle ‘em. If they’re pack, let me know because that’s disrespecting their mated alpha.”

Grimacing, Vincent didn’t like the idea of discrimination. “So, if that were to happen? Disrespecting the mated alpha?”

“For most packs, it can range between community service, probation, or even physical discipline, such as lashings.”

“Whoa, whoa! Lashings? That’s crazy, and completely inhumane.”

Mason nodded. “Dad agreed when he was pack alpha. That’s why he drifted away from physical beatings, and it’s stayed that way. Our pack observes service hours as punishment for first and second-time offenders. But just because we do that doesn’t mean other pack alphas do. Our neighbor up north, Alpha Stuerm, is heavy on old-fashioned ways. He’s fond of whip lashings, and even silver brandings.”

Vincent shook his head. “That’s cruel. I mean…” Thinking of the harsh punishments, he shuddered. “If we travel, am I even allowed to go with you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, if we go to a pack like Kaplan’s old one, would it be smarter to avoi—”

Mason growled. “Fuck that! You’re my mate, the mate of an alpha. You’re to be respected as such, no matter where we are. My mark lets everyone know I claimed you.”

Vincent rubbed the mark on his neck. “Your mark’s different than a lower-ranked shifter?”

“An alpha’s mark is always larger and looks more mangled.”

Recalling the night he was bit, Vincent shifted in his seat. “So you’re saying I should wear fewer collared shirts.”

“I’d prefer you not to wear any, but that’ll help. Besides, my scent on you’ll be a bigger giveaway.” Pulling along the curb in front of Nini’s, Mason grabbed Vincent’s hand. “On top of all that, you’re an alpha by your own right. Only an idiot would disrespect you.”

Confidence rising, Vincent twiddled Mason’s thumb. “Thanks for explaining. I guess it’ll take some time to get used to.”

“I’ll be right here for you. We’ll work on it together. By the way, Ty’s been texting me. From what he said, his replacement’s a nice guy and wants to meet you.”

“That’s awesome. I can’t wait, but I need a sandwich. Let’s go.” Opening the door, Vincent used his wolf’s tactic and hopped down instead of crawling down like a toddler.

When Mason held the deli’s door open for him, Vincent was blasted by an overwhelming aroma. Holy… it smells so much better in here than last time. “Uh, Mace?”

“Focus on one scent and hone in on it,” he suggested. “I recommend the bread. It’ll help.”

Listening to his mate, he walked in. The scent of meat and spices faded, making the experience more bearable. I’ll need to remember that.

Morrine yelled from the kitchen, “There’s my favorite couple of guys!”

Seeing a few people, Vincent sniffed and determined they were humans. Gotta be careful about what I say. “Hi, Miss Morrine.”

As they approached, Morrine waved a hand in front of her nose and whispered, “Well, look at you. I heard you completed your bond, Vincent, but I think you got a little too much Wilson on ya. And your face! Your adorable baby-face got a little hairy. At least you don’t have that awful chin strap of his.”

Vincent laughed while Mason crossed his arms. “What’s wrong with the strap?”

“You look like a shovel,” Morrine fired back. “I guess you two are wanting some grub. Two Mona Lisas?”

“Yes, ma’am. That sounds amazing,” Vincent answered.

Morrine shouted the order to the staff, repeating the store’s motto, “Make it with love!” Vincent took the offered cups to the fountain, but not before catching a particular odor. “So, when were you going to tell me?”

Mason raised an eyebrow as he grabbed napkins. “Hm?”

Vincent rolled his eyes and whispered, “When were you going to tell me Ty was in town? I smelled him on Morrine.”

“Damn. Thought I could surprise you, Pup. The whole New York council’s here for your first shift.”

Giddy, he sipped from his straw. I’m so excited! Hey, bud? You ready to meet one of the most powerful alphas in the world?

Strong alpha? Yes. He name Ty?

Well, his name’s Tierney Scott, but we call him Ty. He’s moving here after he retires.

Leave big pack? He come take over?

Vincent sensed his wolf’s rising irritation. No, he’s retiring. Ty’s wanting to relax, like Lei.

Ah. Good.

“Vin?”

Blinking, Vincent looked up and saw Mason setting the loaded tray down. “Ty also brought his replacement, Alpha Vonder.”

“Oh, cool! What’s he like?”

“Not sure,” Mason said before taking a bite. “Ty hasn’t said much other than he’s the real deal. If anyone’s going to take NYSP, it’s this guy.”

Humming acknowledgment, Vincent bit into his sandwich. His eyes rolled into the back of his head. Did Morrine change the recipe or something? This shit’s awesome!

No, meat good. Tell you, but you eat green stuff.

Mason leaned forward. “You and your wolf seem to be talking a lot. Everything alright?”

“Yeah, we’re just noticing more changes. He’s pretty vocal about not liking lettuce and spinach.”

“Well, you better get used to his way, because he’ll be taking over when night comes.”

“Do what?”

Mason put his fork down and wiped his mouth. “As soon as the moon comes over the horizon, your mind’s taking a backseat. You’ll still be able to talk with him, but he’ll have complete control over your body until it’s time for you to shift. So, if you need to do something, it’ll have to go through him.”

Staring at his stromboli, Vincent understood. “Gotcha. Anything else I should know?”

“Uh… Oh, yeah. After your shift, you’ll be stuck as a wolf until sunrise. Later on, you’ll be able to change at will.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad. Other than the pain, I think I can handle it. So, Ty, Kap, Dirk, and Alpha Vonder are in town. Are they staying in a hotel?”

“They were going to, but Mom and Dad insisted they stay with them. Do you want to head there and say hi?”

“Is that even a question?”

The two enjoyed their meal, invited Morrine to Vincent’s maiden shift, and left for Lei and Elaine’s. The mage could barely contain his excitement. “I can’t wait to see them.”

Mason started the truck and snorted. “Did you forget you can poof and get there in a few seconds?”

“And leave you behind?” Vincent palmed the alpha’s thigh and squeezed. “Never.”

Riding with the windows down, the mage relished the wind rushing through his hair. He put his arm out and let the air tickle his skin. The countryside passed before him, and he snapped out of the trance when the Wilson home came into view. Just as Mason parked, Vincent opened the door to find Tierney and Dirk exiting the house.

The New Yorkers were quick to wave. “Vincent!” Tierney hollered. “We were expecting you guys much later.” He offered a hand, which Vincent brushed past before going for an embrace instead. “I guess we’re well past handshakes, then?”

“Of course. It’s so good to see you, guys.” Vincent released Tierney and went for Dirk.

The bear merely shook hands with Vincent. “No glasses and a scruffy face instead of peach fuzz. Is this the same guy as last time?”

Noticing the thin smile on Dirk’s face, Vincent smacked his belly. “Cute.”

“Oof! You got stronger.” Dirk’s eyes widened when realization struck him, and he dipped his head. “I-uh… Alpha.”

Tierney snickered. “Makes you wish you never challenged him at the airport, doesn’t it?”

“Right,” Dirk muttered. “I’m just surprised you’re changing so quickly.”

“I’m not,” Tierney replied. “A turned human becoming an alpha is an interesting occurrence. The human body’s response to lycanthropy is mirrored with the animal spirit’s manifestation. A normal human turning would take nearly two or three weeks to reach where Vincent’s at now.”

“I didn’t know that,” Mason said. “Dad didn’t either. Everyone’s inside, right?”

“Yes,” Tierney confirmed. “Lei and Cyrus are probably cleaning out the liquor cabinet as we speak. Apparently, my CO had the good stuff hidden in places I couldn’t find last time I was here.”

The moment the group entered the house, Vincent heard Lei’s laugh, along with an unfamiliar giggle. “What was that?”

“That was Alpha Vonder,” Tierney said, sitting on a loveseat. “Don’t mistake that silly noise, though. He’s an absolute delight to be around, but can be a force if provoked.”

Nearing steps caught Vincent’s attention. He sniffed. Not Lei, Elaine, or Kap. Smells like… sugar and wood?

“Tierney,” called a suave voice from down the hallway, “I thought you and Mr. Wescott were returning”—a stocky man wearing a beige suit turned the corner and caught Vincent’s gaze—”Ah, guests!”

“You must be Alpha Vonder,” Vincent said.

“I believe so. Well, it doesn’t say Alpha on my driver’s license. I prefer Cyrus.”

Shaking the man’s hand, Vincent smiled. “Pleasure to meet you, Cyrus. I’m Vincent.”

“Charmed. It’s always delightful to meet alphas who don’t feel weighed down by the use of titles.”

“I suppose I’m just getting used to having one. Before meeting Mace, I was content with sticking my nose in a book.”

Cyrus hummed. “I heard you’re an academic. It’s been far too long since I’ve sat and studied.”

Sniffing the bear’s scent again, Vincent asked, “Pardon me if I’m being blunt. I can tell you’re a bear, but it’s so different from Dirk’s.”

“Very astute. Your wolf must be wise. Would you care to elaborate?”

“It’s like light wood that’s covered in sugar, almost like bamboo. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re a panda.” He was met with silence from the room’s occupants. Vincent noticed both Cyrus and Tierney’s slack jaws. “Did I say something wrong?”

Cyrus was the first to laugh. “Absolutely not! In fact, you are spot on. No one has accurately guessed my species like you have, Mr. Bolton. I commend you.”

Pleased with himself, and knowing a panda stood before him, Vincent beamed. “I… You’re not pulling my leg, are you?”

“Certainly not. I don’t lie unless I need to. I take it this is your mate?”

A hand wrapped around Vincent’s waist, and Mason extended his other to Cyrus. “Mason Wilson, but I go by Mace.”

Cyrus tittered. “It prevents the first and last names from rhyming. Humorous but bothersome, I’m sure. Looking at you two together… I’d say you make an incredible couple. Vincent, to use one of your phrases, correct me if I’m wrong. I thought Tierney was pulling my leg when he told me about you. You possess three affinities?”

“Yes,” he answered, “frost, clairvoyance, and shadow.”

Cyrus beamed. “Those three in combination… I can only imagine their cooperative flow.”

“You’re not concerned with my shadow affinity?”

“Why would I be? My bear’s deemed you trustworthy.”

Just as Vincent grinned at the panda’s remark, he felt an oncoming headache. “Thank you, Cyrus, and my wolf thinks the same of you.”

“Mr. Bolton? Are you alright?”

“Pup?” Mason rubbed Vincent’s shoulders as the throbbing increased.

“Ah, there’s the culprit,” Cyrus exclaimed, pointing at the window.

Looking, Vincent saw the blue sky. Along the horizon, orange threatened to claim the heavens. The sun was setting. Right. It’s time. You ready to come out, bud?

Yes. Born ready.