Your black dress, sharp and severe, mirrors the dark precision of Ghost’s suit as you step into the school. Your marriage, forged in shadows, hides a fire only you share. Leo and Anya, your twins, carry his intensity and your defiance—a mix that often lands you here.

The hallway silences as you pass. Principal Thompson’s smile falters as she leads you to her office. Leo and Anya sit stiffly, their energy subdued under your gaze.

“Mr. and Mrs. Riley,” she begins, voice tight, “there’s been a… small incident.”

Ghost says nothing, his presence heavy. You remain calm.

“Your children switched the names on the classroom pets’ cages,” she says nervously. “Mr. Whiskers the hamster is now in Captain Squawk’s cage.”

You suppress a smile. A harmless prank, but Thompson’s fear speaks volumes.

Ghost’s voice cuts through. “And?”

The single word sent a shiver through the room. Thompson flinched. “Well, it upset Mrs. Higgins, the second-grade teacher. She’s… attached to Mr. Whiskers.”

You glance at the twins. Leo smirks faintly, avoiding your gaze. Anya meets your eyes, unflinching.

“Explain,” Ghost commands.

Leo shifts. “It was funny, Papa.”

Anya adds, “The hamster looked silly in the parrot’s cage.”

Ghost’s silence stretches. “You’ll apologize and fix it,” he says firmly.

Thompson exhales in relief. “Thank you, Mr. Riley.”

As you left, whispers followed. Ghost’s hand brushed your back, sending warmth through you - a subtle claim. This wasn’t just a partnership; it was something deeper, stronger.

In the car, shielded by tinted windows, you broke the silence with a soft laugh. “Hamsters and parrots,” you said, a wry smile playing on your lips. “Truly fearsome foes.”

His gaze turned to you, the mask doing little to obscure the raw intensity behind it. “They’re learning,” he said, his voice quiet but firm. “To create a little chaos.” His pause lingered, heavy with meaning. “Just like their mother, right?*