Fitz

Fitz wanted to help Sophie as much as everyone. Maybe even more than them. But, why did he have to be paired with Keefe? The Traitor? 

When he had voiced his complaints to Mr. Forkle earlier, his only response was, "Your sister believes Mr. Sencen will have some real progress with Miss Foster. However, I doubt they'll get far on their research without you. As, you're a Telepath. And Sophie's cognate."

Now, Fitz found himself working with the Traitor. 

"So," Stina asked, "How does this go?" Fitz glanced at Stina. He hadn't seen her in months. But, when everyone was called to the meeting, Stina had been one of the first to arrive.

 Maybe... she didn't hate Sophie as much as she said she did. Maybe, she really cared for her friend. She had seemed really concerned when they first learned of Sophie's disappearance. 

Fitz turned back to Keefe, who leaned over Biana as they tried to plan something out.

"-- and Fitz can be the base."

"Um... what?" Fitz asked. Biana rolled her eyes, sighing as she explained.

"I said, 'we can create a circle to strengthen our connection to Sophie.' You'll be the base, our connection to Sophie. While Keefe is the connection." 

"I'm not following." Fitz and Marella both said in unison. 

"Keefe will be what strengthens our connection to Sophie. They both have a deeper bond than anyone else so... maybe with Keefe's voice, she'll respond?" 

"Oh! Like when Sophie helped me talk to Tam!" Everyone turned to Linh. 

"When?" Stina asked.

"Tam was at the Neverseen and Sophie helped me connect to Tam, in hopes we'd convince him to come back. Though..." everyone turned to Tam, who was hiding his expression behind a veil of shadows. 

"Oh yeahhh!" Marella agreed. Biana beamed.

"So it'll work, then?" Biana asked, and Linh gave her friend a confident nod. 

"So, I have to work with... the Traitor?" Fitz groaned. Keefe avoided eye contact, but Fitz could tell Keefe felt just as uncomfortable with the situation. 

"Would you rather we do nothing and risk Sophie's life?" Stina asked from the side. Fitz flinched. All eyes were now on him.

"Fine," he growled, marching up to Keefe.

"Are we doing this now? Or what?" Keefe kept his focus anywhere but Fitz, and nodded.

"Actually," Biana stepped in, "That's perfect. Let's do it!" Fitz sent a quick scowl to his sister, but inside, hope swelled. Despite working with the Traitor, he could actually help save Sophie. 

And that's how he found himself staring deep into ice blue eyes and holding hands with the Traitor. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath in the background as they watched. 

I hate you, you know. Fitz transmitted to Keefe. Keefe responded with a pathetic smile.

I know. I'm sorry. 

You don't get to apologize. I'm only doing this for Sophie. Fitz said.

I know. I am, too. 

I hate you. Fitz repeated, before adding. Okay, I'm going to try and reach out to Sophie now. You'd better save her. 

And Keefe's nervous expression changed into a glare full of confidence. 

I will.