Page 21 of Poltergeists & Change of Life

We pressed on, our clothes sticking to us like a second, very sweaty skin. The heat was making the air shimmer. More than once, I found myself wondering if that next turn was real or just a heat-induced hallucination.

"Next time," I panted, feeling like my lungs were filled with hot sand, "let's just fight a dragon. It'll be cooler."

We made it through the fire maze with minor singeing and major complaining. I was just starting to feel a smidge of confidence when we hit the next challenge. Water puzzles? Let me tell you. Trying to solve intricate water-based puzzles while your bladder is being used as a trampoline by three very active fetuses? Not fun. Not fun at all.

The cocoon that formed around us was filled with a complex network of pipes, valves, and reservoirs. Water flowed through the system in seemingly random patterns. It was relatively easy to see how certain pathways needed to be opened or closed to progress. That seemed too easy.

"If I pee myself solving this puzzle, I'm blaming all of you," I announced as I frantically tried to redirect water flows without crossing my legs like a kindergartener.

Aidon, bless his heart, tried to be helpful. "Just think of something else, honey. Like... um... deserts! Yeah, think about the Sahara."

I fixed him with a glare that could have evaporated the entire puzzle. "Yahweh, if you value your life, you'll stop talking right now."

Nana chuckled. "You think this is bad? Try solving water puzzles during menopause. Now that's a challenge!"

"Not helping, Nana!" I gritted out, turning a valve with perhaps more force than necessary.

We worked our way through the puzzle by redirecting streams and opening and closing valves. In my case, trying very hard not to think about waterfalls, oceans, or anything remotely liquid-related. I nearly lost control of my bladder when we messed up and got drenched. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of aquatic torture, we solved the last part of the puzzle. A satisfying 'click' echoed around us, and a door swung open.

"Thank all that is holy," I breathed as I moved away from the liquid. "If I never see another drop of water again, it'll be too soon."

The next challenge was air currents. I had to navigate my way through what was essentially a wind tunnel obstacle course shaped like a beach ball. Yeah, it was about as graceful as you're imagining.

The magic created a vast space this time. Various platforms were floating at different heights. Strong gusts of wind blew in seemingly random patterns, making the platforms sway and shift. "I swear," I panted as I clung to Aidon and another gust threatened to send me tumbling, "if these babies come out with propellers, I'm blaming this exact moment."

Aidon looked at the swaying platforms with concern. "Maybe I should carry you across, Queenie."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Carry me? I love you, but right now, I have the approximate weight and aerodynamics of a small blimp. We could both end up as splats on the floor."

Nana cackled. "Stop your whining and start moving! You’re mated to a god, in case you forgot. He’s not going to drop you."

"I haven’t forgotten," I muttered as I eyed the nearest platform warily. No way was I going to admit Aidon’s strength and power had slipped my mind.

Aidon chuckled knowingly as he picked me up and cradled me close. After pressing a kiss to my cheek, he carried me across. He jumped from platform to platform. The wind whippedaround us, threatening to knock us off balance at every turn. I felt like a pregnant Mary Poppins, minus the umbrella and the cheery disposition.

By some miracle, or more likely my mate’s prowess, we made it to the other side. I collapsed against the wall, panting. "Whoever designed this obstacle course clearly never had to do it while carrying triplets."

“Wait here while I get your mom. Layla has Nana,” Aidon replied, choosing to ignore my sarcasm.

After everyone was through the obstacle course, we moved to what I hoped was the last one. The attic door was close enough that I could touch it until the magic created a space filled with imposing stone walls. Some reached all the way to the ceiling. They shifted and moved, creating an ever-changing labyrinth of rock and rubble.

As I stood there, staring at what looked like the world's most aggressive rock garden, a strange tingling started in my fingertips. Oh no. What now? "Guys?" I called out, a note of panic in my voice. "I think we might have a prob-"

I didn't get to finish that sentence because, suddenly, the world went sideways. Literally. The earth barriers started shifting and reforming. They created a path that looked suspiciously like... "Is that... a slide?" Aidon asked as he cocked his head and examined what we were facing.

Indeed it was. The door and stairs beyond had been replaced with a perfect, smooth stone slide that led straight up to the attic. Because why walk when you can risk life and limb on a magical rock slide?

"Well," Nana chuckled, "that's one way to get upstairs. Your kids are showing some initiative, Phoebe. I like it!"

Before I could retort, another wave of tingles washed over me. This time, I felt it in my whole body. "Oh, this can't be good,"I muttered as a crack of thunder shook the house. It came from upstairs.

We all looked at each other, then at the ceiling, then back at each other. "Please tell me that wasn't what I think it was," I groaned.

Aidon's face was filled with amusement. "Depends. If you think it was your unborn children accidentally activated a weather control artifact and created a localized storm in our attic, then... yes, it was exactly what you think it was."

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and counted to ten. When I opened them again, everyone was staring at me expectantly. "What?" I snapped. "I'm trying very hard not to freak out right now. Give me a minute."

"Um, Phoebe?" Aidon said gently. "I hate to rush you, but... it's starting to rain. Inside. From the attic." Sure enough, water was starting to trickle down the slide.

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