Something in Adam's heart broke then. Sure he was accustomed to tragedy. He saw it all the time in people all around the world. But it had never been personal before. It had never affected him or the people he'd cared about. And he'd never felt so helpless. This wasn't something that powers could fix. And he hadn't been able to prevent it. Not if he wanted her to be her own person.

"Oh, Pepper... Don't be sorry. Me an' Wens are right here with you and we're gonna get you to your room so you can lay on your own bed. And we're gonna stay with you as long as you need us, all right? 'Cause we're the Them and we always stick together no matter what." He looked at the book she'd discarded in all the fuss and smiled faintly. "All for one and one for all."