cascade | kotlc

5. Searching Candleshade

 "Wow," Linh whispered, staring at the stark crystal skyscraper looming over them. "This is where Keefe grew up?"
June gestured wildly at the building. "Why I hate Keefe's dad, reason three hundred and forty-seven. Reason three hundred and forty-eight: there's a life sized statue of him in there."

Tam gagged.

Mr. Forkle hadn't been sure if it would be wise to bring the twings on this excursion, but Biana, June, and Sophie had insisted. Maybe it would help Tam understand where Keefe was coming from.

"You know, every time I see this I have an urge to topple it," June muttered, treading across the gravelly ground. "I know I have the power to. I hate it so much."

Fitz rolled his eyes. "Please, you know if you'd tried you'd end up fainted for at least two weeks."

"Perhaps, but it's still worth it, if it makes Keefe..." her voice cracked. "I don't even know at this point."

Lord Cassius answered the golden door before Mr. Forkle finished knocking, looking pristine in his intricately embroidered blue cape that Biana suddenly wanted to tear into shreds. His smile was so darned creepy, oily and insincere. It reminded her like the dolls she'd seen in human movies. Fake in imitation, but real in the way it haunts memories.

Keefe had grown up here, in an abusive, almost, environment, with a family that never loved him.

"Why, Miss Foster, I almost didn't recognize you with your hair back. But it's always a pleasure to see you. And you as well, Mr. Forkle. And Mr. and Miss Vacker, and Miss Ruewen." His eyes flicked past Sandor and Grizel and settled on Tam and Linh. "And who might our surprise guests be?"

June's hand reached for her pocket, and Fitz had to grab her to stop her from committing crimes. Biana's hands curled up into fists and Fitz sighed, positioning himself between them and grasping both their arms tightly.

Don't do anything stupid, he chastised. Brutally injuring our only lead won't be a very effective strategy.

I hate him, June whined. Just one punch?

No, June. You don't get to hurt him.

Do I? Biana asked hopefully. Surely you would let your sister.

He scowled. No! Bad girlfriend! Bad sister!

June giggled. I actually kind of like that. Is that strange?

Not really.

"This is Tam and Linh Song," Mr. Forkle told him.

"Song?" Lord Cassius repeated. "You're Quan and Mai's children?"

"We'd rather not be," Linh muttered at the same time Tam corrected, "Their twins."

"I see the resemblance now," Cassius said, studying the twins more closely. "I know your father well. He was a Level ahead of me in Foxfire, but we often studied together. We still meet for drinks in Atlantis sometimes."

What else is new? June complained, forcing Fitz to keep up the telepathic conversation. He's so annoying!

Unfortunately, I can't deny that, Fitz sighed. But still no attacking anyone!

You're no fun.

Gosh darn it, how am I 'no fun' for trying to stop you from doing crime?

But it's for the good of the world!

No, it's not!

Yes it is, Biana told him. And you really ought to listen to your girlfriend.