I was so glad to see Magnus and even though I knew it might put him in danger if Peter saw, I threw my arms around his waist and hugged him tight. It probably made it more difficult for him to take stock of my injuries, but I needed the hug more than I needed medical attention. My friends had been so good and so strong, they had stood up for me and protected me, but it wasn't the same as being hugged by a grown up. I needed that, too.

I was so lucky, I realized, to have all these different sorts of friends.

"We're okay," I said a moment later. "He tried to attack me, but everyone..." I smiled, the expression a little watery. "They helped. Eponine jumped in with her knife, and Beverly and Stan threw rocks at him. None of them hesitated."