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“I’m not a vampire God as my witness, I’m not a vampire,” I said I had to turn my face more toward Barry and Sam to keep Phoenix away from my mouth

“Then let Phoenix go!” Barry said

Iboth ar,” before she kissed hly that I couldn’t breathe, let alone talk

“Put the bat down I won’t tell you again,” Newman said

I prayed, Please, God, don’t let Barry die because I screwed up, and suddenly I had an idea I broke the kiss and said, “Phoenix, take the bat away from Barry”

She stopped trying to kiss me and launched herself at Barry She went for the bat as completely and wildly as she’d tried to kissher or letting her take the bat from him He had his hands full, and noouldn’t shoot him because Phoenix was in the way

Sa his cross in his hands as if he thought the battery wasn’t working

“Your faith is fine,” I said “It just doesn’t work on me”

“Phoenix, stop Stop! I don’t want to hurt you,” Barry was saying

Newun pointed at the floor “What did you do to her?”

“I’m not sure,” I whispered because it was true

“Can you undo it?”

“I don’t know”

“We have to do so, Blake”

Neas right I drew ain “God, please help me free her frolow—not the hot white glow that happened when a valow Saloith mine We were both true believers