Sophie

"Alvar!" Sophie jumped as Alvar glittered into the cold, stone room. She wiped her tears, her face growing pink as he called her out.

"Everything alright?" he asked. Sophie nodded, pulling him into the tightest of hugs. And he hugged her back. Proof that he cared about her, right? He wasn't a liar? A manipulator? A kidnapper and murderer? 

"Yeah," she said, her brain pulling up a quick excuse for her tears, "I just... worried my Inflicting had hurt you."

Alvar nodded, pulling away from the hug before meeting her chestnut brown eyes. She'd given up on her disguise. Biana already knew the truth, so what was the point? He tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear and flashed a reassuring smile. 

"You'll never hurt me, okay? I'm right here." Sophie nodded, her lips curling into a smile as she pulled him in for a second hug. She wished she could stay like that forever.

Wrapped in his strong, protective arms. Safe inside his embrace. Safe from the worries and questions that now haunted her thoughts. Safe from the Black Swan. Safe from everything. But Alvar needed to breathe at some point. So, she pulled away. 

"Thank you," she squeaked. Alvar nodded.

"I'm glad you're safe," he said.

"Sorry I didn't grab you," she mumbled, remembering the mixup fiasco. Alvar chuckled. 

"It's fine. It gave me some time to think." His eyes told Sophie he was sincere. 

"What about?" she prompted, wondering if she could slip into his mind. If she should slip into his mind. But she buried the thoughts deep down into her consciousness. She could trust him. He'd hugged her. Told her- promised her- it would all be okay. 

Biana had been trying to trick her. Manipulate her. Well, not again. 

"About my life choices," he shrugged. Sophie tensed. What did that mean?

"And?" Sophie pried, knowing she was pushing her luck. He smiled. 

"I've made all the right choices," he gave her a warm but confident smile, ruffling her hair before turning to leave.

"Where are you going?" Sophie asked, whipping around and fully prepared to chase him down. 

"You're very eager today," he smirked. With nothing else to say, Sophie just nodded. He laughed. 

"That's good. Because it's time for the final phase." 

//

"What's the final phase?" Sophie asked as she followed Alvar down the caves' halls. 

"The time we finally show the world how much better it'll be without the council and their laws. 

Sophie gulped, but tried not to show how uneasy the thought now made her. Before, she wouldn't have given it a second thought. Wouldn't have questioned his goals. But now, all Sophie could do was ask questions. Learn as much information she could get her hands on and find the truth for herself. 

"Alvar?" Sophie said, trying to keep her tone light and innocent.

"What's up?" he asked. She tugged at an eyelash, pursing her lips as she answered. 

"Did the Black Swan ever... kidnap me?" she squeaked. Alvar halted.

"What?" 

"And burn me. Sedate me. With... someone else?"

"Someone else?"

"Like, kidnap me and someone else? Burn us?" she rolled up her sleeves to reveal the burn scars on her forearm. Alvar flinched, but other than that, his warm expression didn't falter. 

"Yes. You don't remember, because the Black Swan wiped your memories. But they have a Pyrokinetic. She burned you for information." 

Sophie nodded, remembering Biana's words. 

"Marella, hasn't been in our group for very long. Marella wasn't here back then. There's no way it could've been her. Or anyone else in the Black Swan."

"Who was the other person?" 

And image of the redhead boy with freckles projected in her mind. And Sophie grew nervous as Alvar hesitated. Looking for an excuse. Finally, he came up with, "The Traitor."

"That Sencen boy? Gisela's son?" 

Alvar nodded, and Sophie sucked in a breath. He was lying. But why?

"Alvar, you're telling the truth. Right?" 

Alvar didn't hesitate to nod. 

"I am." The words made Sophie's stomach churn. Lies. But it had to be for good reason, right? No doubts, right? 

They began to walk again, and Sophie had to pick up her pace to keep up. Then, they reached an empty room.

"Alvar? What are we doing here? This place is empty." 

Alvar turned to meet Sophie's eyes. 

"I know," he said, looking deflated and regretful, "I'm sorry."

Stepping back, Sophie asked, "Sorry for what? Alvar, what--" 

But it was too late. Alvar pressed a rag to her nose, a sweet aroma filling her lungs as she breathed in. She fought, struggling against his strong grip. Her pleas muffled by the rag until the drowsiness settled in and she collapsed into his arms.

"I'm sorry. But you remember too much."