up on trying to threaten my Connor with an arranged marriage he never asked for, and go rot in jail!"
I clapped my hands to conclude my plan as the handcuffs finally clicked into their secure hold around his wrists.
"See?" Starlight spoke to Katsume. "People just don't get why us Harlows are so scary. We're natural problem solvers, perfect for detective work, assassination work, teaching work. Any work that grinds our gears and makes us want to slap justice in the enemies' faces. You warn them, but they never quiver in fear until after you reveal all their dark secrets with no way out. So frustrating."
"Must be hard to endure," Katsume said with thoughtfulness. "Maybe now people will realize how dangerous your family is."
"Nah," Starlight and I said in unison. "Not gonna happen."
Everyone looked at us and we shrugged. "It's a sister thing."
"Let's wrap this up!" Starlight declared, and the agents rushed to begin collecting any other evidence while blocking off the hallways from any other students.
I sighed in relief before looking at Leia, who was staring at me in disbelief.
"What?" I finally asked.
"How?" Her voice quivered in defeat. "How did you know?"
"That you were being forced to act like a bitch and stalk us throughout our trip because Ricardo ordered you to?" I inquired. She was shocked once again, but I decided to answer her. "Victims of abuse can't hide their fear for long. I'd only seen you a few times, but each time you bumped into me, you were quivering in nervousness. Your happy 'oops, sorry' attitude was a persona to hide how afraid you were of making a mistake and disobeying orders, and I decided to go the extra step and view some of the video footage from the hotel to see every instance where you'd been ordered to watch us. Each time you had to report to Ricardo in the lobby with your sister. Your sister always had to be there because that's the leverage he had on you. Without your sister around, I'm sure the rebellious side of you would have revolted. Ricardo was afraid of that and thus used your sister against you, even though you were doing all of this to help her get the medication to help with her current disease, which I'm assuming is from the medical trials of that drug Ricardo is attempting to distribute. Needless to say, it wasn't very hard to put together, but the effort of doing so is one many wouldn't bother with, especially when you were so annoying."
She was there on her knees, the rope holding her disappearing before she lowered her head to the floor to bow at my feet.
"Thank you," she quietly whispered, and I allowed myself to smile.
"The darkness isn't bad," I whispered. "As long as you know how to use it for justice."
She lifted her head up as she slowly nodded. "What about change? What am I going to do now? I...don't have anywhere to go now."
"Change is scary, yes, but maybe it leads to new beginnings," I offered and looked at Professor Phoenix, who nodded. "Leia, I've contacted an organization that will be willing to take you and your sister into a safe house until we can figure out a way to get you guys permanent residence in America. We'll have to wait till after the trial and ensure you both are innocent from any crimes done on your own accord and not by Ricardo's influence. Needless to say, you will be represented for free due to the Harlow's referral, and once that occurs, we will find proper housing for both of you."
She opened her mouth to speak but only sobs came out. Alice was smiling as she walked over and crouched down to comfort Leia.
"Don't cry. Your suffering is over."
I looked to Megumi, who turned her attention to Connor and me.
"Thank you, Brianne."
"No, thank you," I offered back. "I knew we'd be able to get him if you came and riled him up a bit."
She nodded in relief before looking at Connor and reaching out to stroke his cheek.
"I'm sorry for not telling you earlier. We had to keep it on the down-low to ensure he didn't escape this plan. The FBI, CIA, and Witchling Star Agency have been after him for years, but we needed concrete proof for someone with that much funding behind his back."
Connor slowly nodded and worked up a smile as he let out the breath he'd been holding.