cascade | kotlc

35. Breaking the Neverseen Out

--- Linh POV ---

Let me get this straight. You want me to take my brother and Dex and break into Lumenaria, which is supposed to be the most secure place in the entire world, capable of holding even the most dangerous prisoners.

Well, yeah, Sophie admitted as Linh let out a long sigh. We know the Neverseen are planning something, and we have to get them out. The Council won't do that for us, so we'll have to do it ourselves.

Aren't you the one literally at Lumenaria right now? Why don't you do it yourself?

I can't. Her voice sounded truly apologetic, and Linh could feel her fidgeting with her fingers or her gown. There's too much security at the castle.

Which proves my point. I won't be able to break in without them all noticing.

Biana's voice suddenly jumped in, almost giving her a heart attack as she bumped against her thick wooden door. I've got this all thought out. Just cause a major catastrophe and they can't stop it.

How do you want me to do that exactly? Linh usually didn't get frustrated -- at least, she mostly did a good job of keeping her emotions to herself. But here was Sophie, tasking them with breaking into Lumenaria.

The castle is on an island, Biana explained. The underground labyrinth, or the prison, has some parts directly under the ocean. I'm fairly certain Dex has some explosives stored around. He said he might have some.

Linh rubbed her forehead as she slumped against her dark oak air, grasping the armrests so tightly the corners were digging into her palm.

I'm sorry, she said at last. I don't know if I can.

Please, Sophie begged. We need your help.

The door creaked open and Linh's head snapped up as Tam poked his head in. She scowled at her brother, striding over as he stepped in, holding up his hands in surrender.

"What have I told you about knocking?" she snapped, poking his chest.

"Sorry, sorry." He sat down on her bed and twined his fingers with hers. "I just wanted to check on my sister. Is that really a problem?"

"It is when there's people in your mind, trying to convince you to infiltrate Lumenaria."

His eyebrows flew up. "What?'

Get my brother in, Sophie.

Ah- here we go. Tam's mind opened to hers as she experienced an influx of thoughts she hastily shoved away as Sophie grunted. You should both be able to hear us now. Anyway-

If you want us to infiltrate Lumenaria, Tam interrupted. The answer is no.

A loud sigh cut through the connection, followed by small sobs that pierced Linh's heart.

I guess I'll ask my sister again, Sophie mumbled, sadness interlaced in her voice. But I don't know if she'll respond to me.

Is she not talking to you? Linh blurted out.

No, not since I've come to the Peace Summit. I... I think she's angry with me. God knows why. Biana sounded like she was comforting Sophie as their gentle whispers blurred in her mind. I guess we won't do it then. That's... fine.

I'm sorry. Water droplets dropped onto her lap as Linh brushed them away. It's just too dangerous. I can't possibly do it. There's convicted criminals down there, Sophie.