The Crowns of the Gods.

Birthday Party Drama

 A party for a normal human was usually blasé, but Blair knew that with her mom and dad in one room, there would be any number of fights. Joan and Marvin had been fighting for as long as she could remember. They could never really be in the same room without something causing a fight.

Joan was already there when Blair entered the room. Joan's eyes lit up as she ran to Blair and pulled her into a tight hug. Blair, feeling the usual discomfort, pulled away quickly. Joan's face fell, crestfallen. Blair gave her a reassuring smile and quickly pulled her aside. She explained to Joan in hushed tones that she had to keep quiet about her powers. Joan's curious eyes widened, and when she asked why, Blair cringed internally. She told Joan to tell Kai and her brother, her voice low and urgent. Joan nodded and walked off, her expression a mix of confusion and determination.

Blair sighed, taking a moment to collect herself before making her way around the room. She laughed when Katie ran up to her, the child's face bright with excitement. Blair scooped Katie up and smiled, the little girl's giggles infectious.

Katie babbled and laughed with Blair for a few moments before wriggling to be put down. Blair set her down gently and called Braxy to keep an eye on the kids. The energetic dog barked happily and ran off after the children. Papu, a small and fluffy bundle of energy, yipped and looked up at Blair with wide, adoring eyes. Blair bent down and picked him up, receiving a face full of enthusiastic licks. Papu's demeanor changed instantly when Siren approached; he growled softly.

Siren laughed, patting Papu's head. She leaned close to Blair and whispered that Marvin and his family had arrived. Blair swore under her breath and moved quickly to the front door.

Blair gave Aph and Athena quick, precise orders to keep Joan in another room until Marvin and his family were settled. She knew that Marvin believed he was her father—a lie perpetuated by her mother. When Kai and Joan adopted her, Kai had just found out that Joan had cheated on him with her ex-husband, Marvin. Joan had the idea to milk Marvin for more child support, pulling Kai into her lie and telling Marvin that he was Blair's father. When Blair turned sixteen, Joan confessed the truth. Blair had wanted to tell Marvin that he didn't have to pay child support, but Joan wouldn't let her.

As a child, Blair had always referred to Marvin as her biological father, even though he wasn't. Now, as an adult, she could make her own decisions, but the thought of hurting Marvin still pained her. Despite her dislike for him, she couldn't bring herself to shatter his illusion.

Marvin walked in the door, followed by his new wife, their three children, and Blair's me-maw and papa.

"Blair!" Marvin exclaimed, moving forward to hug her.

Blair held up her hands and stepped back. "Marvin, no touching, please. Welcome to my birthday party. It's good to see you."

Marvin cleared his throat, slightly taken aback. "Blair, this is Carly, my wife, and our children: Kelsey, Harper, and John. Everyone, this is my daughter, Blair."

Blair forced a smile. "Hello, all. Hi, Me-maw, Papa. Feel free to mingle and make yourselves at home. I'll be around. Have a good time."

Just as Blair turned to walk away, she saw her sisters and their spouses approaching. Darla, her wife, smiled and moved quickly over to her.

"Oh, Marvin, Carly, Me-maw, Papa, these are my best friends: Jinx, Bayo, and Luna; my wife, Darla; and their spouses, Toby, Will, and Austin. Guys, this is Marvin, my biological father, his wife Carly, and my grandparents, whom you can all call Me-maw and Papa," Blair introduced, her voice steady despite the chaos.

"I remember your friends. How are you guys?" Me-maw asked warmly.

"We are well. I hope you don't mind, but we need to borrow Blair for a moment," Jinx said, stepping forward.