cascade | kotlc

3. At the Wanderling Woods

--- Sophie POV ---

Sophie fidgeted with the satin sash of her emerald green dress and wondered for the tenth time if she should change. It felt wrong to visit a cemetery in something other than black, but Edaline had told her the tradition was to wear green - the color of life. The Ruewen crest was pinned to her cape.

June was leaning against the wall in her light green robes. It looked like a Slytherin uniform from Hogwarts.

"You're wearing the brooch." It was a statement. Sophie didn't know how to respond.

June picked at her nails. "Sandor's not coming with us," she said, twirling her retracted saber in her hands. When the blade was fully retracted, only the hilt was visible. It was elegant and dangerous, just like June. It fit perfectly on her.

She strode to her side of the room. "Are you sure you want to come with us, Sophie? Brant can be... unstable at times. I'd understand if you don't want to come."

Sophie shook her head. "I'm family now. You've been doing this for thirteen years. You won't have to do it alone anymore."

June smiled at her. "Thank you. But I warn you, be prepared. Keep your distance. Don't get too involved."

"I'll be fine."

June closed her eyes. "I'll get Edaline. Grady's waiting for us at the leapmaster."

"Wait." Sophie touched her arm. "I'm coming with you."

June turned back, taking in all her features. "Sophie. You look like Jolie."

She flinched.

"Are you sure you want to get Edaline?"

"Yes."

June tilted her head, closing her eyes as if she fell asleep. "Come on, then."

She led her across the hallways and to the second floor. It seemed dark and gloomy, even with the sunlight streaming in through the crystal walls. Jolie's room's door was slightly ajar. The light seemed to be absorbed into that room. It seeped into that fateful room.

"Edaline?" June whispered, not wanting to startle her as she tiptoed into the quiet bedroom.

Sophie had only been in this room once in all the months she'd lived there, and only by accident. But it looked exactly the same. It had been the same for the last sixteen years. As if it was a cemetery.

Edaline didn't say a word as June crossed the soft carpet and sat next to her on the edge of the canopied bed. Sophie stayed behind her, fidgeting with her brooch.

June kissed her cheek. "Mom, we're ready whenever you are."

Edaline nodded, and she looked up at Sophie. She gasped when she saw the brooch.

"Mom, it's fine. Mom."

Sophie wiped her cheeks. "I don't have to wear it if-"

"No." Edaline stopped her from unfastening it. "You should wear it. I'm sorry. It just surprised me because it makes you look even more like her." Tears were streaming down her cheeks. June was holding her head and trying to comfort her.

Sophie didn't know what to do. She didn't like being compared to Jolie. She wished she could step out of Jolie's shadow. It seemed to cover everyone, June included.

She followed Edaline's gaze to the framed photo on the desk across the room.

A carefree Grady and Edaline stood with their arms around a slender blond girl -- Jolie, when she was about Sophie's age.