cascade | kotlc

32. Passwords, Legacies, and Keefe's Imparter

 "Oh- and get this! They kissed!"

Everyone squealed happily as chairs tumbled and crystal shattered. Even Alden and Della didn't seem to mind, celebrating themselves as a table flipped, spilling all the mallowmelt and custard bursts all over the Persian rugs adorning the floor. Sophie's face was a delicate shade of red as her sister launched herself onto her, collapsing her chair and tumbling across the floor.

"Finally!" Dex screamed, pounding the wall in happiness as he tried for a backflip. "They've finally gotten together- god, that took so long!"

He was met by a chorus of squealing as everyone danced, cheering and yelling and making a shit ton of noise. June was basically strangling Sophie, demanding every detail as Fitz stroked her back, his fingers pressed to her temples. Tam and Linh had left, but Tam assured Biana that he would tell his sister- and that he would be visiting soon.

Biana smiled at that before turning her attention back to the mess of teenagers celebrating in Everglen's glittering dining room. They would probably have to clean it, but that could wait. In fact, she was considering making the room a monument to Sokeefe.

Grady didn't look that mad. He was the only one that remained in his chair, half a smile stretching on his face as he drummed his fingers on his legs, staring at Sophie with interesting looks. Edaline was grinning, leaning on her husband and passing her hand through his hair, her eyes glistening with joy as she occasionally glanced at her daughters.

"Maybe it's not that bad," Biana could hear him mutter. "But if he ever hurts her, ever again-"

Edaline shut him up with a small peck, and he reluctantly complied, actually smiling as he watched June hug Sophie like she was a stuffed animal.

It's amazing, isn't it?

Fitz came beside her, grabbing two overturned chairs and sinking down in one, wearily rubbing his forehead. It's been a long day.

I know it has. But it's nice to see them truly happy, you know? Sophie'll finally get over her obliviousness. She chuckled as Sophie murmured details to a giggling Della. Alden was standing behind them, looking quite amused as Sophie's jaw fell. Biana heard something about Winnowing Galas.

I really wish Keefe comes back soon. I'd really like to see them together, actually for once. He couldn't have left at a worse time.

He couldn't. I kind of want to punch him. She rested her chin on her hand, propping her feet against the upended table. How's June?

He smiled. She keeps on getting better. I think now that she's getting the love she deserves... he blushed slightly, wrapping a piece of cut fabric around his fingers, half an eye staring out at him. She's getting over her insecurities.

Really, I don't know how June of all people would have insecurities. She always seems so confident. Biana reached over, plucking the half-eye from Fitz's hand and studying the hasty white stitches. When's she getting her match list?

She plans to do it the first second she can, and she swore she'd finish the packet in a day, much to the dismay of Grady. He giggled, seemingly recalling a memory as he gripped Biana's hand. To a new future?

To a new future, she agreed.

The doors creaked open slowly, revealing a very confused Mr. Forkle as he took in the carnage.

"Wylie has been moved," he stuttered, his eyes flickering to Sophie, who was lying against a corner and surrounded by Della and June, both of which looked like they had a bit too much fizzleberry wine to drink. "As has Prentice, to be safe. They've been set up in a secure cabin high in the mountains, where they can recover together. Neither seemed strained by the sudden move. If anything, they seemed more relaxed than ever."