❝𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲.❞ ― 𝑴𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒙 𝑲𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒄

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟎.𝟏 ┊ 𝑺𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒆

Sophie sank onto the couch, exhausted. Apparently, burning down the Neverseen's storehouse was very tiring work. "So, um, guys, about that..." The words died on her tongue as she was met with dead silence. Raising her head, she almost fell of the couch. 

It seemed like the whole Elvin population had just squeezed into her home in Havenfield for some sort of conference meeting. To her left were the adults - Mr Forkle, Grady (Edaline was busy making mallowmelt for everyone), and the rest of the Black Swan. In front of her was the Council, all twelve of them lined up. They were dressed regally. Each donned a different colored dress that swished when they walked and practically shimmered when bathed in sunlight. Two bodyguards stood beside each Councilor (including, unfortunately, Councilor Alina). 

To her right were all her friends and Team Valiant - Biana, Dex, Wylie, Stina (she still didn't really like her presence, despite everything, and no one could blame her for that), Fitz and Tam (Glimmer was currently struggling against her binds - "Why am I still handcuffed?! Haven't I proven myself that I'm not going to burn the whole world down like some people?" "As far as I'm concerned, you were the one who encouraged my charge to do so, so I'm still keeping an eye on you," a squeaky voice from a seven foot tall, greyish block of muscle informed her.) Apart from Sandor, Ro, Bo, Flori and some other bodyguards were standing in the back as well.

All of them looked at her awkwardly, as if they didn't know who should speak first. "What is it?" Sophie asked. Her eyes darted to Grady, who was starting to walk towards her. It was as if there was an ominous air of doom around him. Over the years, Sophie had learnt very well when things were good news and bad news.

This time it screamed bad news.

Grady's face was downcast, hiding a twisted scowl on his face. His lips were turned down. Crinkles between his eyes were prominent on his face. Sophie practically saw smoke coming out from his ears like it would from a chimney. Why is he so angry? What made him like this? Was it my fault...as usual?

If Keefe was here, he definitely would give her his trademark smirk, muss up his hair and whisper, "Looks like the Mysterious Miss F is worried again. That cute little crinkle between your eyes gives it all away."

Sophie smiled sadly. She hoped he was adjusting to his new... ability-thing well. The last time she checked, it hadn't been going that well, and she couldn't blame him either. Who wouldn't freak out over a new ability - one that no one even had a name for (A/N: I really want to find out what Shannon calls it!!)? Plus, it must lonely to stay in bed while the Neverseen was still out there, plotting their next move, waiting for them to take the bait and walk right into the trap while he was stuck there unable to go out. She made a mental note to telepathically call out to him and ask him how he was (after the Talk of Doom - she had already named this talk because it was probably something epic.)

Although, what usually made Grady mad were boys (ESPECIALLY Keefe). She'd heard him and Sandor plot something about "That Boy" (something related to a baseball bat - she sincerely hoped they were only joking, but one could never be too sure) last time.

But so many people, flanked with bodyguards, including the COUNCIL, were here. This was probably a sign that it was not just a normal talk about growing up and boys. 

It probably meant something about the Neverseen... again. From Keefe's new ability to Glimmer to burning the Neverseen's storehouse to ... whatever it was. It was like she could never take a break - until the Neverseen were defeated. For now, she'd have to deal with the neverending tasks and whatever.

"...you have to come with me," Grady was saying. Sophie realized she had tuned out and blinked back to focus. Grady stoically marched her to her room with a hand on her back. She was feeling worried honestly.  What would make Grady so mad and behave so weird?