OK sooo... I think you need to track her down for a proper thanks. Buy her a beer. Your ex wife's anger should not spoil your future. And imagine how proud your daughter would be if her Dad became a monster hunter.

The Folk under the hills are old, old as the stone. You have done right, and be grateful for your spade. I have a feeling that you are going to need it.

Shades of Junji Ito.

Careful lest they have their due and leave you a changeling in place of your firstborn.

This is real love here.

There are a great many reasons to fear the deep dark. Your daughter gifted you one less fear.

I took it as up to interpretation.

Heaving breath and weak muscles, the faithful make it to the temple just before the sunrise, their cathedral of trees.

Babes cry and are held tight by mothers, children are guarded by fathers wielding makeshift weapons.

Here the soaring boughs provide a cover from the buzzing hum from the sky burned black. Vines, branches, and leaves more intricate than any fresco and holding so much more meaning now.

Just as the grey morning breaks, it is felt more than heard. The dread marching of the Drones of the Black Sun. Hundreds of thousands of heavy boots stomping the earth to dust.

A voice, older and full of a certainty that wasn't shared by those in this ancient Cathedral, rings out, "Hold fast children! The green shall hold them, the Mother will protect her children!"

"We have sight!", a watcher cries out! Humanoid figures enclosed in glossy black armor, the symbol of the Black Sun emblazoned upon each and every chest plate.

Fear and terror wash over the gathered as they have seen what the Drones leave behind in their passing. Lines of defense form within the last Cathedral, knowing they are doomed. Whispered prayers escape lips.

The endless tide slows to a stop just outside the great arch, mere feet from stepping over the threshold. Then it happens. One. A single drone steps over that invisible line and falls to its knees. Shaking hands drop the weapon and reach up to remove the helmet.

As if waking from a long sleep, the scarred and mutilated face of the woman speaks in a raspy voice, "Please. Am I free?"

A miracle as in the Catherdral of Trees the first Drone is set free.

You were a child whose memory was modified by a creature that was who knows how old? It was doing only what was in its nature to do, and it even denied that nature for you. Besides, no bodies no crime.

Ya know... if the miller can contact him, Papa Flamehair would be a good ally, but he would want something in return. Not you, your land, the Eldritch entity or any of that. Probably more like able to join the sauna parties.

Timeo. Latin for the word fear. It has come knocking once more and humanity will once again be huddled in their false sense of security in the light.

Remember that conviction. Do what you must.

I would not want to see Jem's victims. I would be horrified to find that they all shared the same resemblance to a certain Heiress.

Why didn't they?

There's a reason I have always avoided Asia.

My condolences to both the Dr's family and Anne's foster family.

Do you have any idea what happened to either Anne or the Dr?

This is what I came to see! And happy cake day!

Most likely being certain you weren't followed due to your initial reaction to the Doppelganger Triplets which was a touch apathetic. One question OP; anyone you ever know of see the weirdness you're used to? Seeing it is more common than you think, but remembering is something else entirely.

Induce an earlier labor, if time rests ywill have your proof.

Finish what she started. It's the only way.

Frau Grylm? Auntie, that you?

If your mom (real) returned the deal is broken and death will have it's due I'm afraid. And Demon or not it was your mom for so many important moments of your life and has earned your love and trust while the other "real" mom may have done it to save your family, to come back now is pure selfishness. You know it, so find it. Perhaps you can make a deal of your own.

Do not panic. Remain calm. Please give your physical location to this user so help can find you. We will make it better.

"The Future of Beauty"