“Hey!” Boomer shouted. “Call off your bugs!”

A moment later, the bees left just as they’d come, lifting away from Nemo and disappearing into the night. Her body still burned from their stings, and she gasped for breath as the venom did its work. She could feel her throat closing up.

“Come on,” Boomer said. “At least try.”

Nemo looked up at him through narrow slits, barely able to see him. He held up his hand, showing her another glowing object.

“Last chance,” he said.

Rage surged through Nemo, pushing the pain back enough for her to get onto her knees. She breathed in ragged gasps as she forced herself to her feet to face Boomer. She swayed unsteadily, and thought she might fall over if she tried to take even one step. But she stood her ground. She held up her hands, willing her Legacy to work.

Boomer laughed as he threw his bomb at her.

Nemo saw the air between them shimmer. Then Ghost appeared. She was facing Nemo, and didn’t see Boomer behind her. When Boomer’s missile hit her in the back, she stumbled forward, her mouth open in a scream. Nemo opened her arms and caught her. The force almost pushed both of them over the edge of the ring, but Nemo fought to stay still.

Ghost was lying limp against her. Nemo fell to her knees and laid her friend on the ring. When she pulled her hands away, they were covered in blood. Nemo looked at Boomer. He no longer had anything in his hands. Nemo realized that he was out of weapons.

She summoned the last of her fading strength. Holding her hands up, she focused her telekinesis and pushed as hard as she could. She watched as Boomer flew backwards, off the ring and out over the edge of the hotel. He didn’t even scream as he fell.

Nemo looked down at Ghost. Her eyes were open, and she was smiling a sad smile.

“You’re going to be okay,” Nemo said. “Can you get us out of here?”

Ghost shut her eyes. She winced in pain as she tried. “No,” she said. “I don’t think I can.”

Nemo gathered her into her arms. “It’s okay,” she said.

“I’m sorry,” Ghost said.

“Me too,” said Nemo.

Ghost started to say something else, then coughed.

“Shh,” Nemo said, stroking Ghost’s hair. “It’s okay.”

Ghost said nothing. Nemo felt tears slip from her eyes. “It’s okay,” she whispered again. “It’s okay.”

CHAPTER NINE

SIX

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

SIX HAD NEVER IN HER LIFE WISHED SHE COULD fly more than she did standing on the ground looking up at Eleni hovering overhead, conducting the movements of the three monsters as if she was some kind of orchestra leader.

The towering beasts roared and clawed at the air. Where their feet fell, cars crumpled and street signs fell like sticks. People scattered, screaming and running away from the destruction now that they realized that what was happening was real. Watching them, Eleni laughed.