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“Is everyone okay? Do I need to—” Dane started but broke off at Lucien’s head shake

“Everyone is fine No one got hurt, thanks to Lucien, Calder, and Baer,” Gio replied

“I’hed with relief

“Gio, we’re so sorry that your family was put into harm’s way,” Dane added

“Thank you I appreciate that”

“Why do I feel like we’rechunk of this story?” Grey asked carefully “Such as the part with Gio and the rolling pin And where was Gio’s fa this attack?”

Lucien ht…have been helping us”

“Are you shitting asped

Gio was on his feet in an instant, ju in front of Lucien and Calder “This isn’t their fault You don’t know my family We are not the type to just sit back and let other people fight our battles for us The pestilents were on our property, putting our lives in danger Of course we joined in the fight”

Clay turned to look at Baer “But your powers The ic…”

Baeras well “Yeah, they totally saw everything”

Clay staggered backward, falling into the empty desk chair that had been turned toward the center of the room He scrubbed a hand over his shocked expression “But the secret We’re keeping the Weavers and ic a secret from the world”

Gio shifted fro his ar The whole world needs to know about the pestilents and who you guys are You’re risking your lives to save the rest of us People need to be supporting you and cheering you on”

Lucien grinned up at hisabout him

“I agree, but what if people want to hurt them? Use their powers for their ownthe Circle safe so they can fight the pestilents”

Gio sighed and nodded “That is true There are some real selfish bastards out there”

“But Grey can still wipe and ht?” Dane inquired

They all looked over at Grey, who appeared to have recovered from his Baer and Wiley peep show “Probably How , Gio?”