Infinity Son(14)

“No discounts, Orton.”

Orton puts the potion back into the cooler.

“Wait.”

Emil tries dragging me away. “You don’t have the money. We’re going home.”

I ignore him. “I run an account called Celestials of New York. Have you heard of it?” They’re glaring at me like I asked for the meaning of life. “I profile people about their stories and powers, and I can help you spread the word about Brew. We can do a trade. You give me a potion, and I give you publicity. Is this your blood you’re using?”

Orton grins. “I’m superior to celestials.” His eyes are suddenly consumed by a glowing eclipse before returning to normal. “Superior to other specters too.”

This is a rare opportunity. This is what I need to revive my channel—a special kind of profile. “I’ve never interviewed a specter before,” I say.

“Don’t give him a voice,” Prudencia says. “He’s part of our country’s problem.”

“You don’t know my story,” Orton says.

I ready my camera. “Tell it to me. I want to know all about what drew you to blood alchemy, how you decided on which creature, where you found a reputable alchemist, and when you got your powers.”

“That all?” Orton asks.

“We’re not doing interviews,” James cuts in. He’s shorter than Orton, and apart from his firm tone, I get sidekick vibes from him.

“Just give me ten minutes. Fifteen tops,” I say.

Prudencia gets in my face. “There are so few specters who do good with their powers. Stop trying to shine a light on someone who’s clearly corrupt.”

“I just want to have a better understanding,” I say.

“No, you want guidance on how to pull this off yourself.”

I stand tall even though I’m rocked by her accusation. “My father died from blood alchemy. I wouldn’t ever do this to myself. Even if I did, though—Bautista was a specter, and he formed our city’s greatest group of heroes. Why does everyone conveniently forget that?”

Prudencia points at Orton. “He’s a potions dealer, Brighton. Not a hero.”

“I have feelings, by the way,” Orton says.

“So did the creature you harmed.” Emil speaks up with his eyes cast to the ground.

Orton pays him no mind. “I’m making dreams come true.”

Prudencia’s fist clenches. “You need to get your life straight. Bye.”

She storms away, and even though this could be huge for me, I follow.

“You should’ve had my back, Brighton,” she says.

“I wanted an interview.”

“You are so obsessed, and—”

“I want to understand the psyche of anyone risking their lives for powers when blood alchemy is such a killer, especially after that happened with my father—”

“Guys, guys,” Emil interrupts, looking even more panicked than when he saw the enforcers. “The specter is following us.”





Seven


Gold and Gray


EMIL

This is one of those rare times I wish I had powers. Instead of rushing down into the subway, I could teleport away with Brighton and Prudencia. I’d even be good with a defensive power like shield generation to protect us. I can’t believe there’s a chance we’re going to be attacked, and we have no clue what powers to expect from Orton. Is he going to strike like a basilisk? Light us up like a phoenix? Paralyze us with illusions like a wraith?

“Let’s go, let’s go,” I say as the train arrives and we squeeze into the packed car.

The doors close behind us before Orton and James can enter. Orton grins as the train begins pulling away.

I catch my breath and stare down Brighton. “Can you not buddy up with the egomaniac next time?”

“He was fine until you both went off on him,” Brighton says.

“Don’t turn this around on us,” Prudencia says.

“I document people’s lives, and his story could’ve been eye-opening!”

Brighton stays shut when he realizes their arguing is catching the attention of other passengers on the train. Someone at the opposite end of the car is standing on the bench with his phone aimed at us. I’m about to tell them to cool it when the connecting doors open and Orton and James walk in.

My heart is pounding. This is impossible, the train was taking off.

“Don’t look, but they’re here,” I say. Like an idiot Brighton turns around. “What did I say?”

“How did he even get here?” Prudencia asks.

“Doesn’t matter now,” Brighton says. “Stay calm, they can’t do anything. Too many people here.”

I don’t believe that. He’s followed us this long—he doesn’t care. If we can get off this train and get home, I won’t ever leave my bedroom again. I don’t want to be some damn statistic of victims killed by chaotic specters. I’m so pissed at Brighton, but as Orton shoves passengers aside, Brighton’s hero complex kicks in and he guards me and Prudencia.

“Didn’t get a chance to say bye,” Orton says.

Prudencia shakes her head. “You feel good about yourself?”

“Prudencia, stop,” I say. Sure, there are some people who would rather go down fighting, but I’m in the business of staying alive.