Keefe

Seconds passed. And Keefe's heart pounded against his chest. He could save Sophie. Right here and now. He'd know if she were okay. 

This was redemption. Ever since he'd learned Sophie had disappeared while searching for him, he couldn't help but feel guilt. And knowing that Fitz was jealous of their 'special connection' as Biana called it, he felt terrible. 

Yet, despite all that, he also felt relieved. Sophie had broken up with Fitz, and according to Biana, they were done. Which meant... Keefe might have a chance. That hope had burnt out when he'd run away. But, if he could communicate to Sophie because of their bond, maybe he had a shot.

Sophie? Fitz's mental voice called, fading into a dark abyss, I've connected us. Say something.

It took Keefe a moment to realize Fitz was speaking to him. Keefe gave his friend- or former friend, according to Fitz, another awkward smile.

Sophie? he called.

Louder! Fitz transmitted his thoughts with a hint of irritation. 

SOPHIE? Keefe repeated the plea over and over. SOPHIE? SOPHIE? SOPHIE? 

You sound like Silveny. Said a mental voice. Not Fitz. 

Sophie? Keefe asked. Her mental voice sounded distant. Like a whisper. And Keefe could tell she was straining to maintain their connection. Keefe didn't have much time. 

Sophie! Where are you? What happened? We're going to come for you! He promised. 

I don't know where I am. I was in New York doing... stuff- 

I know. Keefe told her. 

It's not your fault. she assured him. Keefe scoffed. Aloud, Stina's voice sounded.

"Did you find her? What's going on?" Keefe ignored her, instead focusing on Sophie's mental voice- which seemed to grow weaker with every passing second. 

It is. But don't worry. Just tell us everything you know and we'll be there.

Keefe, Sophie whispered, They did something to me. The Neverseen. I haven't seen or heard anything about your mom. There's something wrong, Keefe. They did something to me. I'm scared. I keep... forgetting things. Obvious things. And... I get these random emotions... like... sudden anger or the urge to actually... she hesitated. But only for a moment.

The urge to kill someone. And, for a second, I was going to kill someone. Because I just felt like it. I'm scared. She repeated. 

Guilt churned in Keefe's stomach. And his head hurt from the strain. 

It's going to be okay. I promise. Just hang on. Fitz is here with me and we're going to find you. It was then that he realized Fitz hadn't said a word. Though he could speak to Sophie, he didn't. It wasn't going to ruin their connection so... why? 

After that, Sophie's presence faded and soon, it was just Keefe and Fitz. 

"Wow," Keefe murmured, still processing what Sophie had told him.

"I think they drugged her." Fitz noted, pulling away from Keefe. 

"Why's that?" Linh asked, everyone rushing to their sides with curiosity.

"She says they did something to her," Fitz explained, "She says she's scared." 

"Who wouldn't be? She's helpless and clueless. And she knows something's wrong but she can't do anything." Keefe said, clenching his fists. 

Around him, everyone was giving him a sympathetic look. It was exactly what Keefe had felt when his mom had given him his new abilities. The abilities that had caused him to run away in the first place. 

"Well," Tam said, finally reappearing from his corner.

 "At least we now more than we did. So, what do we do now?"