As Hibiscus spoke, Vengeance wrapped itself around him like a wraith, its smoke passing harmlessly through the boy’s flesh, so it looked like they had become one terrible thing together. Instead of frightening Hibiscus, it seemed to fortify him. His voice grew even more certain, more steady. “We can end this. We can topple those in power out of their seats and reclaim Lucille for the people, at whatever cost. There cannot be one more death, one more person lost in our fight for freedom. Since they will not give us justice, we must take it!” Vengeance’s scaled head snaked high above Hibiscus,
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