“Oh, he’s got more healing to do, Omega. But I bet we can convince him when he’s better,” Stacia said, shoving another spoonful in as soon as Declan opened his mouth to speak. He glared at her but manfully chewed and swallowed the spuds.

“See, technically, Declan is the head of an entire geopolitical region on Fairie. But he’s not much for tyranny, so he lets them continue to govern themselves while he’s here, studying as many topics as possible that might aid him in his responsibilities,” Chris said.

“You’re telling us that this boy is the head of a country?” McCluskey asked. “An extraterrestrial country?”

“Technically. He doesn’t do any governing, but the land itself has chosen him to protect it,” Chris said. “So congratulations on seeking to exile a foreign power all on your own, Senator. The president will not be pleased.”

“The president is aware of this?” the senator asked. “You do know that I can call him and verify this incredible claim?”

“I can open a line for you now, if you like, Senator. I can bypass all of the switchboards and cutouts and get right to his personal cell phone.”

“Good idea. We’ll get his take on your request,” Chris said.

“No!” Jordan said, almost shouting. “I mean, that’s not something to bother him with, and we need to rethink all of this anyway.”

“Well, I don’t. I’m done with school,” Declan said. “Although that doesn’t mean Arcane has to shut down.”

“Oh, we wouldn’t shut it down, just move it,” Chris said.

“Oh. Well, listen, you’re getting what you wanted. I’m leaving this city. But like I said, if anyone puts any pressure on Aunt Ashling or Darci, Omega will let me know and we’ll take care of it.”

“Ashling O’Carroll is, by extension, my great-aunt and my only other direct family member. No one will get near her,” Omega said.

“Well, there ya go. I’m leaving, but hands off my aunts. Clear? Good. Now, I’m kind of tired, what with getting my collarbones shattered fending off the demon that was going to pull a Washington on Burlington and all.”

“Yes, yes, of course. You need your rest. Thank you again for your service. We were just trying to fulfill our responsibilities to our city and state. I think we might have been too hasty,” Jordan said, turning a look at the chief and senator.

Both nodded, with the senator saying, “That’s why we came to talk—to get the whole picture straight,” he said, smiling professionally but clearly still a bit shaken. “And let’s not make any hasty decisions on the fate of the school yet, shall we?”

“I’ll have to talk it over with Tanya, Director Stewart, and Gina. We’ll see,” Chris said.