Into the Spotlight

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Three:

The decision was made. Luca would no longer hide.

Rayna had arranged a meeting with a journalist she trusted, someone who wasn't tied to any major corporation that might twist his words. It was risky, but staying silent was no longer an option.

The interview would take place in a neutral location—a rooftop of an abandoned building overlooking the city. The skyline stretched before them, lights flickering like distant stars. The air was thick with tension as Luca adjusted the collar of his jacket, trying to ignore the cameras being set up around him.

Julian stood nearby, arms crossed. "You sure about this?"

"No," Luca admitted, exhaling. "But I can't let them control the narrative anymore."

Rayna nodded approvingly. "Then make them listen."

The journalist arrived—a woman in her early thirties with sharp eyes and a calm presence. "Luca, I appreciate you agreeing to this."

"I appreciate you giving me a chance to explain," he replied.

She took a seat across from him as the camera crew signaled they were ready. The red light blinked on, and just like that, the world was watching.

The journalist spoke first. "Luca, the world has seen the footage. Some call you a hero. Others call you a threat. What do you say to them?"

Luca took a breath, steadying himself. "I never wanted to be a threat to anyone. Everything I've done, I've done to protect people. But I understand the fear. I know what it's like to see something you don't understand and assume the worst."

The journalist nodded. "People are afraid because they don't know what you are. Can you explain your powers?"

Luca hesitated. He had never spoken about his abilities in public before. But if he wanted trust, he had to give some first.

"I was born normal. Just a regular person. But something… happened to me. I was changed, and now, I have power over fire. I don't fully understand it myself, but I know that it can be dangerous. That's why I only use it to protect people."

The journalist leaned forward. "But some argue that power, even in the hands of someone with good intentions, is still dangerous. How do you respond to that?"

Luca's jaw tightened. "Then I ask—what about soldiers? Police officers? Anyone with the ability to fight? Should we fear them simply because they can be dangerous? Or should we judge them by their actions?"

Silence.

The journalist studied him before speaking again. "Then tell us, Luca. What do you want people to know about you?"

Luca met the camera's gaze. "That I'm not the enemy. That I never wanted any of this. But if I have to choose between doing nothing and protecting innocent lives, I'll always choose to fight."

The interview continued, each question peeling back more of his story. When it finally ended, Luca let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

The world had heard him.

Now, he just had to wait and see how it responded.