[SHAW SR.'S PENTHOUSE OFFICE-DUSK]

A large, impressive office with spectacular views across the city. The newspaper magnate- Ken Shaw Sr.- is talking to his elder son, Senator Ari Shaw.

Senator Ari "... We could just buy the boats..." 

The doors burst open to reveal a harassed-looking Baker and an excitable Kanto.

Baker "I'm so sorry, Mr. Shaw, but your son insisted-"

Kanto "Father, you're going to want to hear this"

Kanto Moves toward his father's desk and begins spreading out photographs. We recognize some of the images: the destroyed streets from the start of the book.

Kanto "I've got something huge!"

Ken Shaw Sr. "Your brother and I are busy here, Kanto. Working on his campaign. We don't have time for this"

Sera, Shade, James, and Chi enter the office Ken and Senator Ari stare. Shade stands with her head bowed, embarrassed, nervous.

Kanto "The is Sera Barebone from the New Salem Philanthropie Society, and she's got a big story for you!"

Ken "Oh, she has, has she?"

Kanto "There's strange things going on all over the city. The people behind this- They are not like you and me. This is witchcraft, don't you see"

Ken and the senator look dubious- all too used to Kanto's harebrained little projects and interests.

Ken "Kanto"

Kanto "She doesn't want any money"

Ken "Then either her story is worthless, or she's lying about the cost. Nobody gives away anything valuable for free"

Sera (confident, persuasive) "You are right, Mr. Shaw. What we desire is infinitely more valuable than money: It's your influence. Millions of people read your newspapers and they need to be made aware about this danger"

Kanto "The crazy disturbances in the subway- just look at the pictures!"

Ken "I'd like you and your friends to leave"

Kanto "No, you're missing a trick here. Just look at the evidence-"

Ken "Really"

Senator Ari (joining his father and brother) "Kanto. Just listen to Father and go"

His eyes shift, focus on Shade.

Senator Ari "And take the freaks with you"

Shade perceptibly twitches, disturbed by anger in her vicinity. Sera is calm but steely.

Kanto "This is Father's office, not yours, and I'm sick of this every time I walk in here..."

Ken Shaw Sr. silences his son and motions for the Barebones to leave.

Ken "That's it- thank you"

Sera (calm, dignified) "We hope you'll reconsider, Mr. Shaw. We're not difficult to find. Until then, we thank you for your time"

Ken Shaw Sr. and Senator Ari watch Sera as she turns, leading her children out. The newsroom has fallen quiet, everyone craning to hear the row. As she departs, Shade drops a leaflet. Senator Ari moves forward and bends to pick it up. He glances at the witches on the front.

Senator Ari (to Shade) "Hey, girl. You dropped something"

The senator crumples up the leaflet before putting it in Shade's hand.

Senator Ari "Here you go, Freak- why don't you put that in the trash where you all belong"

Behind Shade, Chi's eyes burn. She clutches Shade's hand protectively.

YES!!! FINALLY UPDATED THIS BOOK!!! okay so I finally updated this book and I hope you all like this bye, my magicians!!