80 Degrees and a Dead Man

As my soul drifted from my body and floated out of the basement, I expected to be hit by a wave of heat so intense it could melt flesh.

Instead, I was greeted by a blast of cold air from the air conditioner, a chill that made my spectral form shiver.

In the living room, Liam was sprawled on the sofa, clapping his hands and roaring with laughter. "This is brilliant! My 'brother' actually bought that whole scorching apocalypse story. He's hopelessly stupid!"

My wife, Isabelle, scoffed from beside him. "Serves him right for always lording his 'true heir' status over you, Liam.