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“Aw, he’s going to apologize for all the kidnapping and lies,” Wesley says.
“I’m grateful to everyone for saving Eva and Carolina,” Iris says. “I would’ve loved for it to have been less destructive, but we’re at where we’re at. What’s your strategy to offset this?”
“Going to use my channels—the ones you hate so much,” I say. I can’t help but be a little petty now that the tables have turned. Maribelle smirks too. “My platform has grown, so we have Ma and Eva tell their true stories.”
“But you don’t have proof,” Iris says.
“His supporters don’t care about proof.”
Iris scoffs. “They don’t care when it suits their narrative, but they will challenge everything else. I’m genuinely shocked you didn’t stream the whole rescue mission for your followers.”
Prudencia grabs my hand. “It says a lot about Brighton that he didn’t. Our plan wasn’t perfect, but we did our best not even knowing if there was anyone to save.”
I turn to Prudencia, noticing that Ma is smiling at her too. She’s always known there’s been something between us, and I’m happy she’ll be around to watch us grow.
“That doesn’t mean we won’t take accountability for our actions,” Prudencia says. “Brighton’s idea for an interview is great, and we can let everyone know about the Starstifler.”
“I thought we weren’t mentioning that,” I say.
“You and Emil are viewed as unnecessary threats since you’re specters. You’re not supposed to have powers in the first place, and if we can prove to everyone that you’ll be binding them, it could go a long way in building back some goodwill,” Prudencia says.
I want to let go of her hand, but I stay still.
“Oh, good,” Ma says. “Send those powers back. The ghost ones are so unnatural.”
Wesley’s eyes widen. “You have spooky ghost powers too? We need to start a group chat.”
“I phased tonight,” I say.
“Superstar,” Wesley says.
“But those powers are evil,” Ma says.
I don’t have my usual blood-and-bones instinct, but I can tell a classic gang-up is beginning. “Powers don’t have some bright or dark side by nature. I saved everyone tonight with phoenix fire and dashing and phasing. All I’ve ever wanted to do was help and make a difference. I’m continuing the work that started with my series.”
“What if you lose yourself?” Emil asks. “June doesn’t speak.”
“I’m chatting away, bro. And I don’t appreciate being put in the same category as an assassin when I’m a savior.”
“We just want to save your life too,” Prudencia gently says. “Orton had all of your same powers and he went up in flames.”
“We don’t have any statistics on hybrid specters beyond that. This Reaper’s Blood was designed with pure essences to be stronger than others,” I say.
“It was designed for Luna,” Emil says. “You have her parents’ ghosts in you. There might be some repercussions.”
I’m not going to tell them about how unnerving and difficult the power is when active; they’ll only use it against me. Slinging fire-bolts and running swiftly can be depleting, but those abilities don’t cut off my air like when I’m in that ghost zone. Besides, there’s still so much for me to explore. June doesn’t seem to feel any physical pain and it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to not have that slowing me down in combat.
“I’m still me,” I say. “Just upgraded.”
“Time-out on this,” Maribelle says. “Iron is talking any minute now.”
I gather with Emil, Prudencia, Ma, and Maribelle around my laptop while Wesley and Iris find it on their phones.
Let’s see how Iron tries to spin his crimes.
Fifty-Eight
The Speech
