Keefe

Keefe watched as Fitz paced the room, occasionally glancing at Biana through the large window. It hadn't been an hour since they'd returned, and Biana's condition didn't seem to be getting any better. Alden was expected to be arriving soon, and that's when Elwin was expected to reveal whatever the problem was. But for now, his lips were sealed.

At least Bullhorn wasn't screaming, or worse: lying beside her, which was supposedly a sign that someone was dying. And yet, Keefe had seen Sophie live even after Bullhorn confirmed her death. Sophie truly was incredible, being so strong after so much. If Sophie wanted to return to her life in the Forbidden Cities after everything, Keefe wouldn't blame her. Heck, he might even join her. Or maybe that last bit was wishful thinking. Empty dreams. 

Keefe's thoughts were interrupted as a door slammed the office wall and a panicked Alden rushed into the room, Elwin trailing behind and doing his best to calm the crazed Vacker. 

"Where is she!?" Alden demanded, ignoring Elwin's answer as he rushed into the room. 

"Dad," Fitz said, standing to greet his father, but startled by Alden's unusual behavior. His surprise, Keefe felt, grew in size as Alden shoved his son to the side and took Fitz's place beside Biana. 

"What's wrong with her?" Alden asked, brushing a hand through Biana's tangled curls. 

"I'll explain everything, but maybe we should wait for your wife?" Elwin tried, and Keefe could tell Elwin was stalling. And Keefe would, too. He wouldn't tell a crazed man something that would only worry them more, if he didn't have a solution. 

"No need," said a voice, and Della entered. Her eyes had dark circles and her hair was unusually messy. She hadn't even bothered to dress up, wearing a purple bathrobe and slippers. "I'm here." 

"Correction," Elwin tried. "Maybe we should wait until everyone's here and fully dressed?" 

Alden's eyes darkened, sending shivers crawling down Keefe's spine. He'd seen Vespera before--an Empath with no more empathy to spare. And yet, even her cold gaze couldn't compare to the deadly look Alden was sending Elwin. Sighing in defeat, Elwin raised his hands in surrender. 

"Fine. But... I'm afraid it isn't good news." Keefe heard Fitz scoff under his breath, muttering with a sour hint, "Obviously." 

Keefe's eyes darted back to Biana, who slept so peacefully. As if a World War III wasn't just about to happen right then. 

"I'm here!" interrupted Dex, breathless and sweaty as he burst into the room. 

"Okay," Elwin said, "now that everyone--"

"Get. To. The. Point," Alden snarled, glaring daggers at Elwin, who cleared his throat and gave a sheepish smile. 

"Right. Anyways," Elwin said, his expression turning grim, "I've run some tests and... Biana's mind is broken."