Keeper of the Lost Cities: Elysian

Chapter 65

But somehow, Sophie knew the peace wouldn't last long.

The universe just wasn't that kind.

The dream began, and she didn't have to hear his voice to know what was about to happen.

This was a ritual she couldn't escape.

It came every single night, always repeating over and over in a maddening loop.

Every time she tried to escape his voice, the dream would begin again. She would find herself exactly where she had started, forced to hear his cries.

SOPHIE. YOU'RE MY ONLY HOPE. PLEASE.

Someone, Sophie begged, unable to take this any longer. She didn't know if transmitting would work, but she had to try. Wake me up. Please wake me up. Please-

And then Flori was shaking her shoulders, and she threw herself into someone's arms. Someone who loved her and was there to protect her.

"You're okay," Grady comforted as she sobbed into his shoulder. "We're here, kiddo."

But she wasn't okay, no matter how much she tried to convince herself of that.

So she put on her clothes and told her parents and bodyguards where she was going. She didn't say why.

From their expressions, she could tell that they were anxious to know what was wrong, but she didn't know how to explain or if she had the time to explain at all.

They'd think that she was going insane or tell her that it was a normal stage of grief.

But it wasn't.

There were only two people she could talk to about this.

"Stay safe," Grady said, concern and curiosity warring on his face.

Edaline made sure her tunic was warm enough and she had plenty of leftovers from dinner before she left, which was yet another sign that Sophie was taking outrageous advantage of them.

When she gave Sophie one last hug, she whispered, "We love you."

"I'll try to return before morning," Sophie said bravely, although knew it wasn't a promise she would make. "And... I love you."

They smiled in return.

Sophie reached for Flori and Sandor's hands before holding the starstone up to the light.

The path before her was uncertain because the possibilities were an array of endless branches scattered before her.

But she knew one thing.

What happened during this night would change her life. Forever.

The instant she saw the night sky of Elysian, she heard a voice in her mind.

Sophie flinched, making Sandor draw his sword warily.

But it was only Merida.

Sophie! What's wrong?

It's about Keefe, Sophie said. I need to talk to you and Elysian.

"It's okay," Flori told Sandor in a low voice. "She's communicating with Elysian and Merida telepathically."

"I want to know what we're dealing with," he hissed back.

Sophie barely heard them.

We're both here, Elysian's mental voice said quietly. There was a tinge of sadness in her voice. Come quickly- it's cold outside.