"I was wondering what kind of girl could have botched up a rescue attempt so badly. Now that I know it was you all along, everything makes sense."
"Go away."
Rome runs his nose down the side of my face, smiling at the way I shiver. "After all thes...
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THE SLOW ROCKING OF ROME'S BODY AS HE CARRIES ME LULLS TO ME SLEEP. The electric heat trapped into the fiber of my bones does the opposite. Between pain and safety, I can neither open my eyes or fall asleep. I'm stuck in limbo.
I try to focus on a distraction, like the scent of Rome's cologne. It smells royal. Like something a prince would wear before he walks down the golden steps of a secret, midnight ballroom party. Rome's suit, soft and rich in Guanaco wool, matches that image. It rubs against my cheek, a vague comfort.
Then, I hear something. Two voices, arguing.
"...jumping to conclusions...surprised you didn't kill anyone..."
"...supposed to think...did my best..."
"...could have killed..."
"...should have had a better plan..."
It's Elliot and Ava, the two youngest siblings of the Abernathy family. They're yelling. And accompanying their voices are angry whispers and frustrated groans from the guests.
I guess we're back at the party.
"...just go back and..." Ava breaks off.
Some people gasp. Others cut off straight in the middle of their conversation. I hear the sound of a crystal wineglass shattering. Silence settles. And then -
"Rome!"
"So," Elliot says. "You're alive."
"There you are!" Madame Abernathy says. "We were so worried."
"Your eyesight is back." Ava says. The sound of her voice grates against my ears, painful.
"Yes, I'm not blind anymore. I don't know why everyone is so surprised, since you all knew father healed me," Rome sighs. "And what is all this mess? I get kidnapped for a couple of minutes and the party turns to chaos. Honestly, must I fix everything?"
Clothes flutter. Glasses clink. People shriek.
I force my eyes open.
Around us, the world reverses. Fallen chairs and overturned tables straighten. Decorations swoop up to their rightful places. Silver platters swirl in circles, sliding their fallen food into the trashcans and landing on the buffet table in a neat pile. Within a couple of seconds, Rome has managed to clean up an entire garden party.
That's amazing, even for him, I manage to think. His powers have really grown.
I catch a glimpse of Ava's face before my eyelids fall shut again. Just the sight of her pale face, her golden locks and ruby lips, makes me wince. Heat flares underneath my skin. I let out an involuntary whimper.
Rome shushes me gently.
"What the hell happened to her?" Elliot's voice again, more strained this time. "Did one of the Anti-Supers hurt her?"
