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I nod. “I had my nightmare.”

“Because you used your power on that man,” she mumbles.

“I had to.” I shake my head. “She changed it. The scene changed, and a good memory replaced it. I swear, Mom talked to me.”

“I believe she did. I’m happy for you. It hurt me to see you go through that over and over. You didn’t have the opportunity to move on. Now you do.” She presses her hand to her heart. “It helps me to know you can move on.”

“Did I hurt you by not calling you Mom?” I ask, and she jerks.

She bites her lip, looking away. “I knew you weren’t going to do that.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.” I lean forward until she meets my eyes.

“Archer—”

“I want to,” I say, and her eyes widen. “Can I call you that?”

She opens her mouth, but doesn’t speak. Her hands flutter as she drops them to her sides.

“I would like that,” she rasps with tears in her eyes.

“Good.” I smile.

“Wait until I tell Arthur.”

“I would like to call him Dad, if he wouldn’t mind,” I say.

“Wouldn’t mind,” she scoffs, hitting my chest. “Son, the man will be doing cartwheels.”

I laugh, picturing it. “Film it if he does.”

“Deal.”

I look away, sobering. “I want to find my dad.”

“Good,” she says lightly, and I look at her.

“You wouldn’t be upset?”

“Of course not. Whatever you need, we'll support you. I know better than anyone the hell you went through when he walked away from you. I’ve tried not to judge him too harshly. I can’t imagine losing Arthur. You need answers,” she says.

“I know I might be asking for more pain, but it’s been too many years. I’m ready for whatever I may find.” I lift a shoulder.

“And your soul bond will be with you.”

“She offered to help me if I wanted.”

“She's good to you.”

“The best,” I whisper.

“She’s lucky to have you.”

I frown. “I won’t dispute that. You’ll lecture me if I do.”

“Damn straight.” She grins.

I pace away. “I want to bond with her.”