So, here is the next chapter. I'm still really curious and nervous about what you all thought of Kelse, especially her appearance, since it was a big shock to Keefe, and I really morbidly enjoyed picturing the scars the way I wanted them, but was also trying not to make it too horrible for some people. Did it come out ok?
Thank you so much to PokeMANS for following and favoriting, and for the encouraging review.
Strikestar, I'm glad you like her! What did you think of her scars?
BlackSwanGirl, That's a neat theory, and I'm so glad you're enjoying the story enough to think ahead like that! Actually, though, Kelse's mom is human. I did write that, but it was kinda buried in the middle of a paragraph, so it might be easy to miss. I only bring it up because it's VERY important to the story that Kelse is half human.
Now, back to Sophie...
Chapter 6
The gates of Everglen glowed so brightly that it seemed irreverent, given Sophie's mood. Beside her, Dex was a solid, comforting presence, bolstering her through the dread of what she was about to do. They had talked long about how to break the news, and the plan they had finally adopted was risky, but it was the best idea they'd had. Biana let them in, and they followed her down the path to the house in ominous silence.
Inside, the remaining three Vackers and the Song twins were sitting in the main room, (all but Tam, who stood protectively behind Linh,) whispering nervously. When Sophie and Dex walked in, they all turned to stare. Sophie froze, unsure how to respond to the attention. Alden snapped out of it first, and half stood.
"Sophie, Dex, come in. Sit down." He waited until they had done so before asking quietly, "What's wrong? Has something happened?"
Sophie took a deep breath, but before she could get up her nerve to speak, Biana, who had perched nervously beside Fitz, said "Why isn't Keefe here?"
"That's… part of what we have to tell you." Sophie looked up at Dex, then closed her eyes.
She felt deep inside, concentrating on feelings of peace, calm, and hope. She gathered them until they were a huge ball of unruly, powerful energy, swirling and straining, needing to explode out, but Sophie controlled it. She imagined a case around the energy. Then, she imagined a single, small hole pointing toward each person in the room bored through the case. She flicked her eyes open for a second to nod at Dex. As he began the story, she pushed the energy in a controlled stream out of the holes, trickling over the audience. He spoke in direct but gentle terms, explaining what had happened, beginning with the release of Silveny and Greyfell. The room grew quieter and quieter, but no one moved. All seemed rooted to their spots, shock joining with the emotions she was sending. By the time Dex finished, Sophie was almost out of energy. She mentally closed off all but two of the holes - Alden's, and Fitz's. After a few seconds, Biana started to cry and Tam growled, "I knew there was something not to be trusted about him. I should have guessed this was coming." Then he called Keefe a few uncouth names. Everyone else seemed still too shocked to speak.
The energy was all but gone when a voice slipped quietly into her mind.
Sophie, Fitz's mental voice whispered. May I come in?
Sophie opened her mind to his, searching for any signs of cracking. She sensed utter sadness, but he was whole.
Fitz was scanning her, too, for signs of trouble. The last of Sophie's inflicting energy petered out, and she reeled slightly. You were inflicting on us? he asked.
I was afraid. You didn't handle the last tragedy so well. And your dad…
You told Dex, though.
I really needed to tell someone. Dex is my best friend. Plus, you already went through so much just the day before yesterday. I thought this would break you. I couldn't bear that - bear losing you, too. Sophie realized her eyes were still closed as they welled with tears.
Oh, Sophie…
"Well," Alden's voice broke into her thoughts. He sounded shaky, but he was holding it together. Sophie, who was just beginning to realize what she and Fitz had been saying, was relieved for the interruption. She looked up.
"I'm so sorry. I wish I didn't have to bring you news like this," she said. On the sofa, Linh was hushing Tam, her expression grave. Biana was still crying, and Della was holding her, looking teary herself.
"I know, Sophie," Alden said. "But please don't blame yourself. This was Keefe's choice. I just wish there was better news."
"Actually, there is more," Sophie admitted. "And it's good news. Prentice is awake."
Alden gasped, clutching the arms of his chair. "Awake… then is he healed?"
"Not yet. The Black Swan feels it would be too risky in my present circumstances, but I'm sure I'll be strong enough soon." There was tense silence. Then Alden smiled.
"That is wonderful news. Now that the potential is there, please don't rush through concern for me. I am going to be just fine, there's no reason to worry."
Sophie and Fitz smiled wryly at each other.
"For me, at least," Alden added. "You children, on the other hand, begin at Foxfire on Monday, Tam and Linh included."
All the smiles disappeared.
"So soon?" whispered Sophie.
"Without Keefe?" Biana rasped, her voice thin.
"You need regularity," said Della gently, "And the world needs to readjust to you. The Council has decided that since you are to be coming back, you need to make the transition as quickly as possible. Needless to say, they hope to minimize an embarrassing situation. Plus, it's the first week back from midterms."
Sophie hadn't realized so much time had passed.
"Why us? Who said we even wanted to go to that place," Tam demanded passionately.
"What my brother means to say," interjected Linh, her voice like a soothing wave, "is how did this come to be, since we were exiled so long?"
Nobody really believed that Tam had meant anything other than what he said, but Linh was an excellent peacekeeper.
"You two have more than redeemed yourselves in the last few days," Alden said, "if indeed there were any actions that justified a longer punishment. I find it hard to believe that the Council doesn't know how much blame for what happened lies with your parents. It was hardly unbiased judgement that sent you to Exillium and gave them a free pass. This is the beginning of righting the many wrongs they have allowed."
"It isn't enough," added Della, "but it's a start." She smiled at the twins.
"Perhaps I should be getting home," Dex interjected tentatively. "My parents tend to worry a lot these days."
"Me too," Sophie chimed in. "I mean, about getting home." Although she did worry a lot.
They rose to leave, exchanging good-byes. As she reached the door, Fitz's voice whispered in her mind, I'll be in touch. You will let me help, won't you?
Sophie glanced back, but all she could think of was how Keefe hadn't been there to tease them about their telepathic conversations, and she couldn't even remember how to reply. She hoped Fitz saw the answer in her eyes as she looked at him for an agonized second. Then, she followed Dex out the door.
