Tam was still shivering in his cell. He had no idea how long it had been. He rubbed his wrists, enraged he had let Glimmer put the cuffs back on. After he had gotten back from the Neverseen, Tam had still felt the restraint of the cuffs on his wrist. It had finally just gone away when they were captured.
Tam's thoughts were interrupted by the cell door opening. He quickly stood up, glaring at the cloaked figure in the doorway. Then the figure pulled Keefe out from behind him. Tam's eyes widened at his friend's appearance. Keefe was shaking violently, barely able to stand, sweating profusely, his breathing abnormally fast. The Neverseen member let go of Keefe and slammed the door.
The second the door shut, Keefe fell forward. Tam immediately rushed to him, holding him up in an embrace. Keefe clung onto Tam, attempting to steady his breathing.
"What did she do to you?" Tam whispered. Keefe shook his head, burying his face in Tam's shoulder. They stayed like that for many long minutes until Tam helped Keefe sit down against the wall.
"I'm so sorry," Keefe said, his voice broken. "It's all happening. I didn't want you to get dragged into this." Tam sat next to Keefe, taking his hand.
"You don't have to be sorry. I don't blame you for anything that's happened," Tam said. Keefe turned his head to face Tam, his eyes full of tears.
"It's not just us Tam," he choked out. "She has everyone targeted. She could kill them at any moment." Tam's eyes widened.
"How?" he asked in disbelief.
"I don't know. But she's figured it out, that I can't use my ability on my own."
"It was going to happen one way or another," Tam tried to comfort Keefe.
"That's the worst part," Keefe muttered bitterly. "They know everything we're going to do. They're always watching, always waiting for us. No matter how many times we try to get ahead they always know."
"And now we have no way of telling them," Tam said, rubbing his wrists where the bindings were. "I'm sorry," he added, barely a whisper.
"What for?" Keefe scoffed. "Actually, don't tell me. This whole blame thing is stupid and it sucks."
"Agreed." Tam tightened his grip on Keefe's hand. "What will we do, if she makes us use your ability? I won't be able to turn against her with these things on my wrists."
"Why did she bother giving me this ability if I can't even use it on my own? What would even happen if I was able to?"
"I don't know, but I wouldn't try if I were you. The power could kill you," Tam said, his voice breaking on the word kill. He looked to the ground, blinking back tears.
"Hey," Keefe used his hand that wasn't intertwined with Tam's to gently turn Tam's face back to meet his. "I know, it feels like the end. And it might be, who knows? But even if there's nothing past tomorrow we're still going to do our best to stay alive until then. Okay?" Tam blinked.
"That was oddly poetic."
"Thanks. I've been practicing," Keefe joked, earning a slight smile from Tam. The air became suddenly colder, and Keefe and Tam shifted so they were sitting even closer together, their knees touching. The bitter air brought Tam back to the realization that every moment was bringing them closer to the unknown end.
"I don't know how much longer we have until they come," Tam began.
"Ooh, are you going to do one of those heartfelt, end-of-the-line speeches?" Keefe interrupted. Tam rolled his eyes.
"Well I was, but now-"
"Oh no, go right ahead." Tam sighed, but couldn't help smiling.
"Okay, um… I…" Tam's voice faltered. "I guess I just wanted to say…" he took a deep breath "I don't despise your existence anymore." Keefe let out a barking laugh. "And I guess I haven't for a long time, I just didn't want to admit it because I knew you would never with your massive ego."
"You are absolutely correct."
"I thought so. In more seriousness, I'm terrified of what they're going to make us do, and I'm not sure what other options we have. But I just want you to know I truly consider you a friend." Tam swallowed the emotion building up in him.
"Yeah?" Keefe asked quietly, his eyes sparkling. Tam nodded, earning a shy smile from Keefe. "Me too."
There was a sudden clang at their cell door. Both Keefe and Tam stood straight up, their eyes full of fear, hearts pounding. Before the door could be opened, the two boys pulled each other into a tight and quick hug.
"Thank you," Keefe whispered as they let go, squeezing each other's hands.
Then the door opened, revealing the smiling face of the leader of the Neverseen.
Vespera.
Blindfolds were put on Keefe and Tam as they were transported to another location. Vespera's presence caused Keefe to tremble with uncertainty. Keefe felt the air change as they entered the unknown place. Vespera's cold voice echoed in his ear:
"Now, the time has finally come," she said triumphantly, ripping off Keefe's blindfold. "As you can see, we've already taken care of step one."
Keefe felt his heart drop to his stomach as his eyes adjusted to the scene. He and Tam were standing in the center of the tribunal hall, but a battle had clearly just taken place, and it was obvious who had won. All of the councilors were unconscious, tied up in their respective thrones, which were crumbling from damage. Scorch marks and deep cracks filled the floor and walls. Keefe glanced at Tam, who was staring in shock of the aftermath.
"How?" Tam whispered. Vespera cackled, sending a shiver down Keefe's spine.
"I thought by now you had learned not to underestimate us. While Keefe's mother dearest was busy getting all the information on your abilities, we took the time to make sure our work here wouldn't be interrupted. Now, the exciting part can begin."
As Vespera began to order the other Neverseen members around, Lady Gisela appeared in front of Councillor Bronte's throne. She walked up to Vespera.
"Are they taken care of?" Vespera asked.
"They are," Lady Gisela said smugly. Vespera turned to Keefe and Tam.
"Well then," she started. "I'm sorry to inform you that your friends won't be joining us today." Keefe tried not to assume the worst, but the rage rose in his chest.
" I will not do your dirty work for you," Keefe growled. Vespera raised an eyebrow.
"Then perhaps you need some convincing?" Vespera snapped over another Neverseen member. They grabbed Tam's wrists and adjusted a gadget on the bindings. Keefe could only presume what they were going to do to him.
"Don't," Keefe mumbled, his voice shaking. Vespera smiled.
"Now Keefe," she began. "I need you and your friend here to destroy this hateful place with your ability."
"Why can't you just do it yourselves?" Keefe grunted.
"Because this hall is protected with a power only you can break, Keefe," Lady Gisela said, her voice disgustingly sweet. "Once it is destroyed, everyone will be in disarray, begging for someone to lead them-"
"And that's when I'll put them under my authority," Vespera interjected. "Everyone in the Lost Cities is so unsuspecting and naive they won't even notice the difference. Now, shall we begin?"
"I will never do anything for you again," Keefe said, keeping his voice as steady as he could.
"We don't have time for this," Lady Gisela muttered, looking at Keefe with the same disapproval he'd known all his life. She nodded at the Neverseen member who was standing next to Tam. Keefe started to panic. He couldn't let them hurt Tam, but following their command would crush the entire council. If he stalled, maybe, just maybe Sophie and the rest of his friends would come, if they hadn't already been defeated. Keefe met Tam's eyes, which were glinting in determination, as if to say, I can handle it, don't give in because of me. Before Keefe could say anything, Vespera flicked her wrist, and Tam started screaming. The agonizing sound pierced Keefe's skin, and he felt Tam's pain.
"NO!" Keefe shouted, but Vespera didn't stop.
"You will obey," Vespera stated, the inflection in her voice like daggers. The screaming continued, tearing through Keefe's mind. He hadn't taken his eyes off of Tam, and when they made eye contact again Tam shook his head. Keefe could feel him pleading for Keefe to not give in. But Keefe couldn't take it.
"FINE!" he yelled. Vespera smiled and flicked her wrist again. Tam dropped to the floor, breathing heavily. He looked up at Keefe, and the pain in his eyes broke Keefe's heart. Keefe looked away, blinking back tears. Lady Gisela forced Tam to his feet.
"Aim right in the middle of the ceiling," she said as she walked to Vespera's side.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Vespera snapped impatiently.
Keefe stepped next to Tam and held out his hand. Tam slowly took it, interlacing his fingers through Keefe's. A whirlwind of emotions ran through Keefe's head the second they touched. They looked at each other, fear and helplessness in their eyes. Keefe tried to convey how sorry he felt, but it would never be enough. Amidst all the dread and despair coming from Tam, Keefe also could feel gratefulness and warmth directed toward him. He squeezed Tam's hand to acknowledge and return the feelings, and felt a gentle squeeze back.
Then, nodding at each other, they looked to the ceiling and shakily raised their other arms. They built up their power and prepared to fire— when a bang echoed through the hall.
Before anyone could think, the doors blasted open. The dust cleared to reveal Sophie, surrounded by Marella, Linh, Wylie, Meruca, Biana, Dex, Stina, Fitz, Ro, Sandor, Grizel, Grady, and Mr. Forkle.
Relief rushed through Keefe. Vespera and Lady Gisela looked shocked, but quickly replaced it with outrage.
"You shouldn't be here," Vespera snapped.
"Too bad," Sophie said. Are you alright? She asked Keefe and Tam telepathically.
We are now. Keefe answered. He could see the determination building in her eyes.
Ready? She transmitted to all of her friends. She was met with a resounding Yes! From everyone. Let's end this.
With a battle cry from Ro, they all charged towards the Neverseen. The hall quickly filled with flashing lights and sudden explosions. Marella and Linh surrounded themselves in a massive sphere of fire and water, taking on at least six neverseen at once. Meruca conjured force fields around the unconscious councillors before rushing around to protect the others. Stina ran to each of the councillors, dragging them out of the way. Biana was quickly turning invisible and surprising Neverseen from behind. Dex had a collection of gadgets he was trapping Neverseen with. Fitz was fighting like a madman, his rage tearing through his enemies. Sandor and Grizel had each other's backs, their fighting so in sync it looked choreographed. Grady was actually using his ability, fighting to stay in control with the help of Mr. Forkle, but terrifying nonetheless. Ro had charged right to Lady Gisela and Vespera, shouting insults as she attacked them mercilessly. Sophie was everywhere, inflicting on Neverseen, enhancing her friends, and teleporting the councillors to safety.
Wylie had beelined to where Keefe and Tam were standing and broke Tam out of his bindings.
"Thanks," Tam said, rubbing his wrists.
"No problem," Wylie said before slipping back into the battle. Before Keefe and Tam could move, a group of Neverseen surrounded them, preparing for a fight. Tam faced Keefe.
"You ready?" he asked, an intrepid anticipation in his voice.
"Let's go," Keefe replied, a determined smile growing on his face. They squeezed each other's hands and let their power explode as the Neverseen closed in. Blasting away the Neverseen was easy with the power they created, and soon the group surrounding them was on the ground, unconscious. Keefe and Tam began to move around the hall, knocking out every Neverseen they came across. It seemed all was going in their favor until Tam was suddenly pulled away from Keefe. Keefe spun around, trying to find his friend, but he was lost in the crowd. Then a shriek pierced the air.
"Enough!" The voice of Vespera screamed, sending the hall into silence. Keefe turned to face her, and his heart stopped. She was holding Tam by his hair, her knife pressed against his neck. Lady Gisela had placed another pair of bindings on his wrists. Keefe was frozen in terror. He heard Linh scream and Marella struggle to hold her back.
"Now that I have your attention," Vespera hissed. "You will surrender, or your friend here dies."
"We will not let you win," Sophie growled. But Keefe could feel her uncertainty.
"Very well," Vespera said. She grazed her knife across Tam's throat, and Keefe saw blood.
"NO!" he shouted, full of more rage than he had ever had. Vespera looked at him murderously.
"So you surrender?" She asked quietly. Keefe couldn't respond. "Still no? Then you have decided his fate."
She raised her knife to stab Tam. Keefe looked into his friend's eyes,trying to tell him all the things he'd left unsaid.
And then his power exploded.