Emily's pov
Tears filled my eyes as I watched Jim and Mark. They hadn't noticed me yet, but it didn't matter: I'd spent so much time fearing that I would never see them again, that I'd permanently lost them, that even just being able to look at their faces filled me with joy and longing.
How... I mean, how could you ...?
Xavier chuckled. I could feel it, he was very proud of what he'd done. Diplomatic channels, of course. Kidnapping them would have been an act of war, but inviting them to a Christmas party… well, that's just courtesy. Don't worry, Mary's not here, he said.
I frowned. But ... they're minors. How did they get here without an adult?
A smile danced on his lips. There's an adult, he informed me. The invitation was also extended to your cousin John, who went straight t
