章節 40: Awaken
The darkness of the hospital room was still, save for the faint, steady beeping of the heart monitor and the quiet hum of the ventilator. Maggie's eyelids fluttered open, the dim light filtering through the window barely illuminating the room. The sterile smell of antiseptics and the soft hiss of the breathing tube greeted her senses. Her body felt heavy, unresponsive, but as her mind slowly cleared, she became aware of a small object resting beneath her thumb. A button. Instinctively, she pressed down. The action sent a subtle chime through the hospital's system. Moments later, soft but quick footsteps approached the room. The door creaked open, and a nurse stepped inside, her eyes widening as she looked at Maggie.
"Oh my goodness," the nurse said, rushing to her side.
"You're awake!"
Maggie's eyes shifted toward the nurse, a mix of confusion and relief flickering in her gaze. She tried to speak, but the tube in her mouth made it impossible. The nurse quickly noticed her attempts and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Don't try to talk, sweetheart," the nurse said kindly.
"You've been through a lot. I'm going to get the doctor, and we'll get that tube out as soon as it's safe."
Maggie's eyes blinked slowly in acknowledgment, exhaustion weighing on her even as her mind buzzed with questions. The nurse gave her a reassuring smile before hurrying out of the room to alert the medical team.
The silence of the Wayne Manor study was broken by the sudden ringing of the phone. Alfred calmly walked over and picked up the receiver.
"Wayne residence," he answered in his usual composed tone.
"Mr. Pennyworth?" a warm voice on the other end replied.
"This is Nurse Hargrove from Gotham General. I'm calling to inform you that Miss Maggie Wayne has woken up from her coma. She's stable and resting. Doctor says Mr. Wayne can tomorrow morning to visit."
Alfred's breath hitched ever so slightly, but his professionalism never wavered.
"Thank you for letting us know, Nurse Hargrove.
We'll be there."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Alfred hung up the phone, his hand lingering on the receiver as relief flooded through him. Composing himself, he left the study and headed down to the Batcave.
In the Batcave, Jason sat at the Bat computer, his fingers tapping absently on the keys as he browsed surveillance logs. Though his injuries from the Joker and Harley encounter were almost fully healed, the emotional weight of what had happened still lingered. He hadn't stopped thinking about Maggie. The sound of Alfred's footsteps broke his concentration. Jason turned to see the butler descending the stairs, his expression uncharacteristically light.
"Alfred?" Jason asked, sitting up straighter.
"What's up?"
Alfred stepped closer, his voice steady but filled with warmth.
"Master Jason, I've just received a call from Gotham General. Miss Maggie has woken up from her coma."
Jason's eyes widened, the weight on his shoulders lifting instantly.
"She's awake?" he repeated, almost disbelieving.
"Indeed," Alfred confirmed, a small smile breaking through his usual stoicism.
"She's stable and resting. We'll be able to visit her tomorrow during visiting hours."
Jason pushed back from the desk, running a hand through his hair as a wide grin spread across his face.
"That's… that's incredible."
Alfred nodded, his own relief evident.
"It is, Master Jason. I thought you should be the first to know."
Jason stood, his energy palpable as he paced for a moment.
"Tomorrow can't come fast enough."
The Batcave's comm system suddenly crackled to life, and Batman's voice came through, calm and authoritative.
"Robin, this is Batman. We've secured Joker and Harley. They're in GCPD custody now. Nightwing is handling the final handover."
Jason stopped mid-step, his body relaxing slightly at the update.
"About time," he muttered, stepping closer to the console.
"I'm guessing Joker wasn't too happy about being taken in."
"Not in the slightest," Batman replied, his tone clipped but tinged with satisfaction.
"But it's done. No casualties, and Gotham is safe—for now."
Jason exhaled, the news further easing his lingering tension. Then, a thought struck him, and a grin slowly spread across his face.
"Hey," he said, his voice lighter than it had been in weeks.
"I've got some news for you, too."
There was a brief pause before Batman responded, his tone curious.
"What is it?"
Jason glanced at Alfred, who gave him a small nod of encouragement.
Turning back to the comm, Jason said, "Maggie's awake. Alfred just got the call from the hospital. She pulled through."
Another pause followed, this one longer. When Bruce finally spoke, his voice was softer, almost relieved.
"She's awake?"
"Yeah," Jason confirmed, unable to keep the grin out of his voice.
"She's stable, and we can visit her tomorrow."
There was no immediate response from Batman, but Jason could hear the faintest exhale of relief through the comm.
"That's good to hear," Bruce said finally, his usual stoicism slipping just enough to reveal his relief.
"Thank you for letting me know."
"I figured you'd want to hear it right away," Jason said, leaning against the console with a rare sense of calm.
"She's gonna be okay."
Batman's voice regained its usual composure as he added, "Nightwing and I will debrief once we're back."
The comm line went silent, and Jason leaned back pulled out his phone, his fingers moving quickly over the screen. He couldn't wait to share the good news. He started with a group message to Maggie's closest friends, Stephanie and Emily, keeping it short and to the point:
**Jason:**
*Hey, just wanted you to know Maggie woke up from her coma. She's stable and resting. You'll be able to see her soon.*
Then he sent a similar text to his own friends, Mark, Kyle, Connor and Roy:
**Jason:**
*Good news—Maggie's awake. Just got the call. She's still in the hospital, but she's going to be okay.*
**Stephanie and Emily's Replies (Maggie's Friends):**
**Stephanie:**
*OMG, thank God! I've been so worried. Tell her I said hi when you see her! Can we visit soon?*
**Emily:**
*Finally! I can't believe she's awake! Please let us know when we can see her—we've missed her so much.*
**Kyle and Mark's Replies (Jason's Friends):**
**Kyle:**
*That's great news, man. I knew she'd pull through. Let me know how she's doing when you see her.*
**Mark:**
*Good to hear, bro. Guess the Waynes are tougher than they look, huh? Keep us posted.*
**Roy's Reply:**
**Roy:**
*Seriously? That's awesome. Let me know if she needs anything—or if you do, man.*
**Conner's Reply:**
**Conner:**
*That's incredible news, Jason. I'm glad she's okay. You must feel a lot better now. If you need anything, I'm here.*
Jason read the messages, a small smile forming as the responses flooded in.
The faint light of morning seeped through the hospital room window, illuminating the sterile space. Maggie blinked slowly, her eyelids heavy and her vision slightly blurry. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor was steady, a comforting reminder that she was still alive. Taking a deep breath, she shifted slightly, trying to sit up. Her body protested immediately, her muscles weak and stiff from over a month of inactivity. Her arms trembled as she pushed herself up, but she didn't give up.
"Come on," she muttered, her voice hoarse and barely audible.
The effort left her breathless, and she slumped back against the pillows, frustrated. Her head felt cloudy, the lingering effects of the pain medication making it hard to focus. She closed her eyes for a moment, willing herself to push past the fog. A soft knock came at the door, and Maggie's eyes fluttered open. The nurse who had been monitoring her stepped in, her smile warm and reassuring.
"Good morning, Miss Wayne," the nurse said softly as she walked over.
"How are you feeling today?"
Maggie managed a small, tired smile.
"Like… I've been hit by a bus," she said, her voice dry and cracked.
The nurse chuckled lightly.
"Well, that's to be expected after what you've been through. Let's take it slow today, all right? No need to rush."
Maggie nodded weakly, her frustration easing slightly at the nurse's understanding tone. As the nurse checked her vitals and adjusted her pillows. As Maggie's eyes adjusted to the light, she glanced around the room, taking in the vibrant colors of countless flower arrangements and the neatly arranged cards lining the nearby table and windowsill. The sheer volume of them made her heart swell slightly, even though the haze of her medication.
"Were all of those… for me?" she asked, her voice still weak but laced with curiosity.
The nurse, who had been checking her IV line, followed Maggie's gaze and smiled.
"Every single one. You've had quite the crowd rooting for you, Miss Wayne."
Maggie blinked, feeling a lump form in her throat.
"Could you bring some of the cards over?" she asked softly.
"I'd like to read them."
"Of course," the nurse replied warmly. She carefully gathered a handful of the nearest cards and set them on Maggie's lap.
"Take your time. Let me know if you need help with anything."
Maggie nodded gratefully, her hands trembling slightly as she picked up the first card. It was simple, with a bright sunflower on the front. The handwritten message inside made her smile:
**"Get well soon, Maggie! Gotham Prep isn't the same without you. Love, Stephanie and Emily."**
She set it aside and reached for another, a brightly colored card with bold letters:
**"Stay strong, Maggie! You've got this. - Kyle and Mark."**
Each card she read brought a mix of emotions—joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of connection to the people who cared about her. By the time she finished the stack, her eyes were misty, and her heart felt a little fuller. The nurse returned, noticing Maggie's expression.
"Would you like me to bring over the rest later?"
Maggie smiled faintly, nodding.
"Yes, please. Thank you."
A soft knock at the door drew Maggie's gaze. Her heart quickened, and she straightened slightly in bed despite her body's protests. The door opened slowly, and two familiar figures stepped inside—her father, Bruce, and Alfred, both carrying expressions of quiet relief.
"Maggie," Bruce said softly, his deep voice laced with uncharacteristic emotion. He stepped closer, his typically stoic demeanor melting into something far more vulnerable as he took in her pale but awake face.
"Dad," Maggie whispered, her voice raspy but steady. A small smile tugged at her lips as she looked at him, her gaze shifting briefly to Alfred, whose warm eyes betrayed his relief.
Bruce moved to her bedside, pulling up a chair as Alfred lingered nearby, setting down a small bouquet of fresh flowers.
"I'm glad you're okay. "Bruce said, his voice dropping to a low murmur.
Alfred stepped forward, his hands clasped in front of him.
"Miss Maggie, it's good to see you awake. You've been sorely missed."
Maggie's eyes softened as she looked at Alfred. Her gaze flicked back to Bruce.
"How long was I…?"
"Over a month," Bruce said quietly.
Bruce gave Maggie's hand a gentle squeeze.
"You're here now, and that's all that matters."
Maggie's brows furrowed slightly as she took in his words.
"Dad, what about Barbara? Is she okay?"
Bruce hesitated for a moment, glancing at Alfred before responding.
"Barbara is stable. She's recovering, but…" He exhaled quietly, his tone somber.
"Her injuries were severe. She'll need time to adjust."
Maggie's heart sank, guilt flickering in her chest.
"Adjust?" she repeated softly, her voice trembling.
"What happened to her?"
Bruce met her gaze, his expression pained but steady.
"The doctors say she won't regain the use of her legs. She's paralyzed from the waist down."
Maggie's breath caught, and she turned her head away for a moment, blinking back tears
"She's strong," Alfred interjected gently, his voice soothing.
"Much like yourself, Miss Maggie. She'll find her way forward."
Maggie nodded faintly, though her thoughts lingered on Barbara. After a moment, her voice grew more anxious.
"And the Joker? Is he still out there?"
Bruce's jaw tightened, his voice lowering as he answered.
"No. Nightwing and I brought him and Harley back into custody. They're both locked away at Arkham."
Maggie let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her.
"Good," she murmured.
Bruce's expression softened as he leaned closer.
"You don't have to worry about that anymore. You're safe, Maggie. We'll make sure it stays that way."
The door opened, and a familiar figure stepped into the room with a quiet confidence. Selina Kyle, dressed in a sleek black coat, her hair perfectly styled, offered a small smile as her green eyes softened upon seeing Maggie.
"Well, well," Selina said, her voice smooth and warm.
"Look who's back among the living."
"Selina?" Maggie's voice wavered with surprise, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"What… what are you doing here?"
Selina stepped closer, setting down a small bag she'd been carrying onto the bedside table.
"I heard you gave everyone quite the scare," she said, her tone teasing but affectionate.
"I had to see for myself that you were okay."
Bruce stood, his arms crossing as he watched Selina with a mixture of wariness and familiarity.
"Selina," he greeted curtly, though his tone lacked its usual edge.
"Relax, Bruce," Selina said with a sly grin.
"I'm not here to cause trouble. Just checking on Maggie."
Selina's smile softened as she turned back to Maggie, sitting in the chair opposite Bruce.
"How are you feeling, sweetheart?"
"Like I've been hit by a bus." Maggie admitted, her voice still weak.
"But better now. It's nice to see you."
Selina reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from Maggie's face.
"You gave everyone a real fright, you know. Even me."
Maggie blinked, surprised by Selina's rare display of vulnerability.
"Thanks for coming," she said softly.
"Of course," Selina replied, leaning back in her chair.
"And I brought you something." She gestured to the bag she'd placed on the table.
"A little something to brighten this drab room."
Maggie's curiosity piqued as Alfred stepped forward to retrieve the bag. Inside was a beautifully preserved glass music box, its intricate details hinting at its vintage origins. Maggie's eyes lit up.
"It's beautiful," Maggie said, her voice full of awe.
Selina smiled, her expression tender.
"Thought you might like it. Something to remind you that even in dark times, there's beauty to be found."
Selina rose gracefully from her chair, smoothing her coat as a soft knock came at the door. She turned to Maggie with a smile.
"Well, it seems like you're quite the popular one today. I'll let your next visitor have some time with you."
Bruce stood, his usual stern demeanor softening as he looked at Maggie.
"We'll give you and Dick some space," he said quietly.
"I'll be back later."
Alfred stepped forward, straightening the flowers on the bedside table.
"Miss Maggie, we'll see you shortly. Please don't hesitate to call if you need anything."
Maggie nodded, her smile faint but warm.
"Thanks."
Bruce gave her a final look, his eyes lingering as if reassuring himself she was truly awake. Selina rested a hand briefly on his arm, a rare moment of quiet understanding passing between them. Together, Bruce, Alfred, and Selina left the room, the door closing softly behind them. Dick Grayson stepped in, his easygoing demeanor immediately brightening the room.
"Hey, Mags," he said warmly.
"You scared us there for a while."
Maggie smiled faintly, her voice still weak.
"Seems like everyone keeps saying that. I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Dick said, pulling up a chair beside her.
"Just glad you're awake."
Maggie's expression softened as she studied him.
"How's Barbara?"
Dick's smile faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly.
"Barbara… she's tough. She's handling things the best she can, but she'll appreciate you checking in when you're up for it."
Maggie nodded, the weight of everything that had happened still settling in.
"I'll see her as soon as I can."
"You take your time," Dick reassured her, his smile warm as he squeezed her hand lightly.
Maggie smiled faintly, her gaze softening. "Thanks, Dick."
He leaned back slightly in his chair, crossing his arms as if bracing himself to share something.
"I wanted to let you know, I'm going to be sticking around Gotham for a bit."
Maggie's eyes widened slightly, her curiosity piqued.
"Really?"
Dick's expression turned thoughtful, a hint of seriousness in his tone.
"Barbara's going to need some help. You know, getting to physical therapy, running errands, just the day-to-day stuff when Gordon can't be there."
Maggie nodded, her smile growing.
"That's really nice of you, Dick. I'm sure she'll appreciate it. But… how do Kory and the Titans feel about you leaving for a while?"
Dick chuckled softly, scratching the back of his neck.
"Kory's been really understanding. She knows how important Barbara is to me, and that Gotham needs me right now. The Titans will manage—Kory's more than capable of taking the lead when I'm gone."
Maggie tilted her head, her smile turning playful.
"Still, I bet Kory wasn't thrilled about sharing you with Gotham again."
Dick laughed, the sound light and genuine.
"You're not wrong. But she knows I'll be back. It's not forever—just until things settle down here."
Maggie's expression softened.
"Barbara's lucky to have you, Dick. We all are."
"Thanks, Mags," he said warmly.
"And hey, when you're feeling up to it, I'll be around if you need anything too."
A soft knock at the door interrupted Dick's lighthearted conversation with Maggie. He turned to see Jason standing in the doorway, leaning slightly against the frame. Jason looked better healthier, though his expression was serious.
"Hey, Dick," Jason said, nodding toward him.
"Mind if I have a couple of minutes with her?"
"Sure thing," Dick replied, standing and ruffling Jason's hair as he passed.
"But don't take too long. She needs her rest."
Jason gave him a half-hearted glare but stepped inside as Dick left, closing the door behind him. For a moment, Jason hesitated, his usual confident demeanor faltering as he looked at Maggie.
"You're awake," he said quietly, his voice almost a whisper.
"I am," Maggie replied, her gaze softening. She took him in fully, noticing something that made her smile widen.
"You're wearing it."
Jason blinked, confused for a moment, before realizing she was looking at the leather band compass necklace hanging around his neck—the gift she'd brought back for him from England. His hand instinctively touched it.
"Yeah," he said, a faint blush creeping into his cheeks.
"Haven't taken it off."
Maggie's smile grew a little as she looked at the necklace.
"It looks good on you," she said softly, her voice weak but filled with warmth.
Jason's hand instinctively brushed against the necklace again, his ears turning slightly pink.
"Thanks," he muttered, trying to play it cool.
Maggie tilted her head slightly, her gaze thoughtful.
"Did you read the note that came with it?"
Jason's expression froze for a moment, and he avoided her eyes, clearly caught off guard.
"Uh, yeah… I read it."
"Did you?" Maggie teased lightly, her smile growing wider.
Jason hesitated, his hand tightening around the necklace as he glanced at her.
"I read it," he said, quieter now.
Maggie's cheeks turned faintly pink, but she held his gaze. The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of her words—and his acknowledgment—hanging in the air between them. Finally, Jason looked back at her, his voice steadying.
"It meant a lot. More than I can say."
Maggie's smile softened, her heart feeling lighter despite her weakness.
"I meant every word, Jason."
Jason moved closer, pulling the chair Dick had vacated closer to Maggie's bed. His hands fidgeted briefly before resting on his knees, his posture tense yet uncertain. He glanced at her, his usual mask of confidence gone, replaced by vulnerability. His voice trembling slightly. His eyes, filled with emotion, locked onto hers.
"I thought I lost you."
Maggie's expression softened, her heart aching at the rawness in his voice.
"Jason…" she began, but he shook his head, cutting her off gently.
"I need to say this," he said firmly, though his voice wavered with the weight of his words. He took a deep breath, his gaze dropping to the necklace she'd given him before returning to her face.
"When you were gone—I realized something."
Maggie watched him intently, her own heart racing, even in her weakened state. Jason hesitated, his fingers brushing over the necklace again for courage.
"You mean everything to me," he continued, his voice low but earnest.
"I've been through a lot—seen a lot of people come and go. But you… you're different. You make me feel like I'm not just some screw-up or sidekick trying to prove himself."
Maggie's her hand instinctively reaching out to him, though it trembled slightly. Jason met her halfway, his larger hand enveloping hers as he leaned in closer.
"I love you, Maggie," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, but the sincerity in his words was unmistakable.
"I probably should've said it sooner, but I didn't want to mess things up. You're the best thing in my life, and I couldn't stand the thought of losing you."
Maggie's eyes welled with tears, her emotions overwhelming her as she squeezed his hand weakly.
"Jason… I love you too," she said, her voice shaky but steady enough to make him smile.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Jason relaxed, a small, genuine smile breaking through the tension on his face.
"I'm glad you said that," he said softly, his thumb brushing over her hand.
The room fell into a peaceful silence, the unspoken bond between them solidifying in the quiet. Jason leaned forward slightly, his forehead resting against hers. The moment was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Jason turned, his protective instincts flaring, as a familiar figure strolled in—John Constantine, his trench coat trailing behind him.
"Well, well," Constantine said, his British drawl as casual as ever.
"Look who's back from the brink."
"Constantine," Jason said flatly, his tone laced with suspicion.
"What are you doing here?"
Constantine sharp eyes landed on Maggie.
"I'm here for her."
Maggie frowned, her body still weak but her mind alert.
"Me? Why?"
Constantine leaned against the wall, pulling out a cigarette but stopping short when Jason glared at him. He sighed and pocketed it instead.
"Just a few questions, love. About shadows, to be precise."
Maggie's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing. She had vague, fragmented memories of her time in the coma—of shadows, of Lillyanna, and of pulling Jason to safety. But how much did Constantine know?
"Shadows?" Maggie asked, feigning confusion.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Constantine's lips curled into a knowing smirk.
"Oh, don't play coy with me, lass. You think I don't know about the shadows pulling your boy wonder here out of certain doom? That kind of magic doesn't just happen by accident."
Jason stiffened, his gaze darting to Maggie. Maggie swallowed hard, her fingers tightening slightly around Jason's hand.
"I—I don't know. I was in a coma. I don't remember anything."
Constantine raised an eyebrow, his sharp blue eyes piercing.
"Really? Nothing at all? No whispers? No dark corners calling to you? Come on, Maggie, you're better at lying than that."
Jason's jaw clenched.
"Constantine, back off. She's been through enough."
"Relax, kid," Constantine said, holding up a hand.
"I'm not here to upset her. Just trying to get some answers before this whole thing comes back to bite us all in the arse."
Maggie looked away, her heart racing.
"I told you—I don't remember," she insisted, though a flicker of doubt crossed her face.
Constantine studied her for a long moment before sighing dramatically.
"Fine. Play dumb if you like. But mark my words, Maggie—you can't outrun what's inside you. Sooner or later, the shadows will come calling again."
The tension in the room thickened as Constantine turned to leave, his parting words hanging heavily in the air.
"When that happens, you'll know where to find me."
As the door closed behind Constantine, the room fell into an uneasy silence. Jason turned back to Maggie, his eyes filled with concern and confusion. He leaned closer, his voice quiet but firm.
"Maggie," he said, his tone pleading,
"I need you to tell me the truth. What was Constantine talking about?"
Maggie looked away, her heart sinking. She didn't want to burden Jason with more than he already carried, but his unwavering gaze made it clear he wouldn't let this go.
"I… I can't," she whispered.
Jason reached for her hand again, his grip gentle but insistent.
"You can. Whatever it is, you don't have to go through it alone. But I need to know. Please."
Maggie closed her eyes, taking a shaky breath.
"You have to promise me, Jason. Promise you won't tell anyone else."
Jason hesitated, but the look in her eyes—full of fear and vulnerability—was enough.
"I promise," he said softly.
"Just tell me."
Maggie glanced around the room, as if expecting someone to overhear, before finally speaking.
"When I was in the coma… there was someone with me. Her name is Lillyanna. She said she's a part of me, like a… shadow that's always been there."
Jason frowned, confusion deepening.
"A shadow?"
Maggie nodded.
"She helped me connect to… something. The shadows, like Constantine said. That's how I found you. I pulled you out of that warehouse, Jason. It wasn't luck or some miracle—it was me."
Jason's grip on her hand tightened slightly.
"You… you saved me. But how? How did you even know how to do that?"
"I didn't," Maggie admitted, her voice trembling.
"Lillyanna told me what to do. She said it might cost my life, but I couldn't just sit there and let you die."
Jason stared at her, the weight of her confession sinking in.
"Maggie, that's… that's incredible, but it's dangerous. If it almost killed you…"
"I know," Maggie interrupted, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
"But I'd do it again, Jason. For you."
Before Jason could respond, a faint chill swept through the room, and Maggie's eyes widened. Lillyanna's voice echoed softly in her mind, sharp and disapproving. *You shouldn't have told him. He's not ready for this, and neither are you.* Maggie flinched slightly, her gaze darting around the room. Jason noticed her sudden tension.
"Maggie? What's wrong?"
Maggie hesitated, the memory of Lillyanna's disapproving voice still lingering in her mind. She didn't want to burden Jason further, especially after everything they'd just shared. She shook her head slightly.
"I'm just… cold," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"And really tired."
Jason immediately stood, pulling the blanket at the foot of her bed up to her shoulders.
"Here," he said gently, tucking it around her.
"Better?"
Maggie nodded, her smile faint but genuine.
"Yeah, thanks."
Jason sat back down, watching her closely for another moment before relaxing slightly.
"Get some rest," he said, his voice soft.
"I'll stick around for a bit, okay?"
Maggie's eyes fluttered shut, her exhaustion finally catching up to her.
"Okay," she murmured, her voice fading as sleep took over.
Jason stayed by her side, his worry lingering but tempered by the relief of having her back. For now, he would let her rest and keep watch over her.
In the dim glow of the Batcave, Bruce sat at the Bat computer, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. The faint echo of Maggie and Jason's conversation faded as he disconnected the hidden audio link from Jason's cellphone. Constantine leaned against a nearby console, a cigarette dangling from his fingers, though he hadn't lit it yet.
"Sneaky, even for you," Constantine commented, breaking the silence.
"Though I can't say I'm surprised."
Bruce shot him a sharp look but didn't respond immediately. His focus remained on the screen, where a faint trace of Jason's location blipped.
"You heard her," Bruce said finally, his voice low but firm.
"Whatever this is, it's bigger than I anticipated."
Constantine smirked, taking a drag from the unlit cigarette as if imagining the sensation.
"Told you, didn't I? Now she's getting cozy with powers she doesn't understand. You're lucky she hasn't blown up half of Gotham yet."
Bruce's gaze darkened.
"It's not her fault."
"Doesn't change the fact that it's inside her," Constantine replied, his tone turning serious.
"You heard her—she's connected to something ancient. Shadows like that don't just appear."
Bruce leaned back in his chair, his mind working through the implications.
"If she's aware, even partially, it's only a matter of time before she starts asking questions. And Jason knows…"
Constantine cut him off with a wry grin.
"Ah, yes, the boy wonder. He's loyal, I'll give him that. But he's a wild card, mate. If he tries to protect her from you—it could get messy."
Bruce's expression remained stony, but his eyes betrayed the weight of his thoughts.
"She needs guidance. Control. If this power gets out of hand, it could destroy her—and everyone around her."
Constantine finally lit his cigarette, the flicker of flame casting shadows across his face.
"You'd better decide how far you're willing to go, Bats. The girl's walking a tightrope, and if she falls, you'll have to decide whether to catch her… or cut the line."
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