I have to find out if it worked. I dash around the corner to the main courtyard. I have to stop to take a breath. It’s amazing to see all the bakus sitting outside, still as statues. Such a simple demonstration can be so powerful. I hope it’s catching the media’s attention. Or will Eric find a way to play this out as something positive for Moncha? I don’t know how, but if anyone can manipulate the situation, he can.

A crowd has gathered at the front entrance of Moncha HQ, in front of the imposing double doors. There’s a ring of media, cameras and microphones pointed at the doors, and then a wider circle of people around it. I feel sick to my stomach. It looks like Eric is still planning on making some sort of statement to the public. It doesn’t look good to me that he’s willing to do that.

“Lacey!” I hear my name being shouted from across the street.

I look up to see Zora barreling toward me. She crashes into me, her arms thrown around my body, squeezing me in a hug. When she pulls away, she asks, “Did it work?”

I bite my lower lip. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? But…the word is that Monica is about to give a speech.”

“Jinx connected, but I don’t know if he had enough time to reverse the update completely.”

Zora bites her bottom lip, chewing it furiously. There’s a commotion at the front of Moncha HQ, and all of a sudden lights come on around the door. Zora grabs my hand. “Come on. We have to watch. We have to find out.”

I allow her to pull me through the crowd, pushing our way past the journalists and the onlookers who have gathered around. I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know who is going to appear at the door.

The gates open and out steps Monica Chan. And on her shoulder…is Jinx.

I swallow, tears welling up in my eyes. Tears of relief.

Jinx touches his tail to Monica’s throat, amplifying her voice so she can be heard by everyone. Bird bakus descend from the sky, suddenly permitted to film again—Monica must have reversed the ban, wanting everyone to hear what she has to say. The reporters jostle and clamor for space, everyone wanting the best angle to film from.

As for me? I feel as if the entire world grinds to a halt. I don’t feel anything anymore: not the cold of the air, or the wind on my face, or the heat of adrenaline in my cheeks. I’m holding my breath, wondering what Monica is going to say. Wondering if what we did worked.

Wondering if our teamwork is enough.