I sighed.
“Ren, you have an opportunity.” Her eyes glittered. “An opportunity for greatness.”
“How come no one promotes an opportunity for fun and happiness?”
“Because it's boring and unambitious.”
“Sounds anything but,” I said wistfully.
“What are you two discussing?” Olivia demanded.
“Door B,” I said, looking at the media and authorities who were porting and pouring in around us.
“Door B?”
“Where I'm the weapon of mass destruction in case of emergency, but a fun-loving nerd from day to day.”
Olivia stared at me. “Did you read my notes?” she demanded.
“Yes. Republic?” I asked hopefully.
“Watch Alexander Dare and don't go off script.”
I sighed.
It only took three spells before everyone in the crowd stopped trying to capture Axer. The combat mages who were pouring in behind him just made the crowd stand that much more at silent attention. Ramirez was a silent shadow at his side.
The magic used to defeat Prestige Stavros, as well as what he had been trying to do, had been covered extensively already. Connecting the majority of the free worlds together in spirit, in order to defeat one man, had made few of the details secret. We were all a part. And yet, fear was still dominating many expressions.
Axer looked out over the crowd of journalists without emotion.
“Yes. We could rule the layer and there is little you could do about it,” he said. The fear already on their faces turned closer to terror. “But that’s not what is going to happen. What’s going to happen is that we are going to work with you and with the other layers. And in exchange, you will allow us to live freely. No restrictions, no binds—other than an Oath to Serve which is being drawn up.”
“Oaths are breakable,” a reporter said.
“Immediate notification to the Council will happen if it's broken, as well as dire consequences. But as long as the oath isn't broken, you will leave all of us alone.”
And I could see the might of it. Standing there, issuing an ultimatum. Demanding a concession right then from the lawmakers.
“The council will be given the drafts. Senator Leandred and all council members and staff have been located and are currently being treated for their injuries. Senator Leandred will recuse himself due to his conflict of interest, but we expect the council to decide on these matters quickly so that we, as part of our greater society, can continue living freely, as we just assured for all.”
It was a nice touch. Very Olivia with its reminder and threat.
“Where's Raphael Verisetti?” someone asked.
“Vaporized,” Marsgrove said, voice clipped.
My gaze slid to Greyskull automatically, who did not look at all devastated by such news.
A phoenix with a broken wing slid across his neck and disappeared beneath his circular collar.
“Miss Crown, can you confirm?” someone said.
I looked at Greyskull’s neck and nodded slowly. “Vaporized.”
“What about Oler Mussolgranz?” another reporter demanded.
I winced. Sending in Raphael to take Mussolgranz's place had had consequences. Mussolgranz had been able to hide from Raphael in the Basement. Raphael hadn't wasted his opportunity at having the man before him.
Marsgrove firmed his lips. “He is in a comatose state.”
Greyskull had said it didn't matter if he came out of it, either. The man was gone.
“Archelon Kaine? Helen Price?”
“They are within custody. They will be questioned extensively.”
“What about you, what about questioning you, Dean Marsgrove?”
Marsgrove looked down his nose. “I will also be available for questioning.”
“And Ren Crown? What about her?”
I lifted my chin. “I will help, I will be an Origin Mage, I will serve society. But it will be all societies, not just those in the Second Layer. Create a commission that answers to the people of all layers, with transparent communications and discussions. And from that commission, I will take assignments.”
“How can we trust you?”
I nodded in understanding. “It is unnerving to know that someone has the power to change the fabric of the world. But it is a truth of the magic worlds that the existence relies upon the system that was put into place. I, too, will be under oath. There will always be people who have power and people who do not. I will not be forced into grievous servitude or hiding because I have power. I have responsibility to my power, and to my communities, but also to myself.”
I looked around the crowd. “Do not mistake my desire to help with a desire for chains. Do not forget what I am. I will not allow myself to be chained because some government desires control. I will not allow you to chain me at all. Do not try.” I said it calmly, but let a little of my power flow into spirals in the air. “Form a commission. Work in a way that brings equality to all, and I will gladly work with you. I want nothing more than to live my life as one of you.”
Olivia stepped up, and I stepped back. “I will be taking questions on Miss Crown's behalf from here.” She pointed to a reporter. “You, go.”
The crowd erupted with questions.
Julian Dare stepped to her side, as did a mussed Stuart Leandred and the members of the Council who'd been recovered.
The rest of us eased back from around the podium.
“Well, Phillip, you can clean this up with your cousin,” Stevens said curtly as Olivia pinned the crowd firmly under her thumb with help from Bellacia's planted questions. “I have places to be.”
Stevens turned on her heel.
“Yup.” Greyskull stepped backward more slowly, still watching Marsgrove intently. Stevens paused, waiting for him—for Greyskull and his tattoos—to catch up.
Marsgrove's fingers curled into his palms, and for a long moment, I wasn't sure how the moment would play. “Go,” he finally said, gruffly.
They didn't wait for a further response, disappearing together.
I looked up at Constantine at my side. His arms stayed crossed for another moment, then loosened. He touched the back of my neck, seeking comfort. “Forgiveness suits me ill.”
“It's hard for us all,” I whispered, leaning in. “But I think...I think it gets easier, the quicker it comes.”
Constantine looked over at Axer, who had gone to stand with Julian, pointing out Stavros's detailed notes to the crowd and the triggers Stavros had been planning to use.
Constantine's face softened. “Perhaps.” He touched my cheek and wiped the silver-gold tear there.
Mindful of the crowd, I pulled fingers through my tangled hair and checked our spells for something to do that didn’t include responding to that touch. I could feel Constantine smiling.