Keeper of the Moonlark

Just My Luck

The three of them duck under cover as goblins escorted the two elves. Fitz went into a long monologue about how much better elves were than humans, and how everything Sophie was taught was horribly wrong, but it wasn't Sophie's fault. He digressed into explaining about all the mythical creatures that were a part of a treaty. He even mentioned how humans were horrible and betrayed them so they were no longer allowed to be a part of this mythical treaty.

 Athena wondered if this was her chance to excuse herself so that she could report what happened to Mr. Forkle. He kept droning on and on. Sophie was practically in tears from all of the new information she was finding out. Athena sympathized with her. Her whole life was built on lies, and Athena couldn't even tell her that it was only going to get worse from here.

Athena shifted, pulling her pathfinder out. It would bring her back to San Diego. Fitz grabbed her wrist and glared at her.

"You're not going anywhere," he whispered.

Athena kept her expression indifferent while she pulled her hand out of his grip. "I really don't think you can stop me."

The two of them kept tense eye contact. Fitz's teal eyes flashed with distrust and irritation, while Athena's red eyes remained cold and indifferent. Sophie watched. She hesitated before grabbing Athena's hand.

"Could you please not fight? I'm already so confused, and the tension between you two is making me uncomfortable." Sophie's brown eyes glimmered with tears.

"Oh dear," Athena whispered and whipped the droplets off Sophie's face. 

Sophie furrowed her brows at the display of affection from this stranger. "I'm really an elf?"

"Yes," Fitz said. 

Couldn't he be a little bit more considerate about Sophie's situation? 

"I—I believe you." 

Fitz grinned at her. "Should we head home?"

Fitz pulled out another pathfinder and brought them back to San Diego. Athena had grown used to the clean air of Eternalia that the human world made her choke. The air quality because of the fires was so bad that it caused her eyes to water. They were in front of Sophie's house, and Athena made eye contact with Sophie's neighbor, Mr. Forkle, who stood in front of the window.

[What's going on?] Mr. Forkle asked telepathically.

Athena looked towards Sophie making sure the two kids didn't know she was communicating with him. [I got caught as I was trying to make sure Sophie didn't get hit by a car. I'm so sorry, Sir. The Vacker kid coming was a part of the plan?]

Mr. Forkle nodded, causing Athena to sigh in relief. She tuned into the conversation Sophie and Fitz were having. He was holding up another pathfinder.

"Will I ever be able to see you again?" Sophie asked, a little smitten by the pretty boy.

He smiled at her. "Of course. I'll be back tomorrow."

"How will I find you?"

"I'll find you."

Athena realized he was still holding her wrist, and she paled, looking at Mr. Forkle. His eyebrows shot up as Athena opened her mouth to protest, but it was too late. Fitz light leaped, forcing her to go with him. She had to force herself to concentrate so she didn't get turned into a bunch of light particles. It didn't keeping the simmering anger down.

                                                                                              * * *

The two of them ended up in front of Everglen, the home of the Vacker family. Well in front of the gate of Everglen. Athena had heard from Mr. Forkle that their gate stopped all forms of light leaping to be prevented so they couldn't just leap into the house.

Athena's eyes flashed dangerously as she ripped her hand out of Fitz's grasp. "What do you think you're doing?" Her voice was low and dripped with hostility. She swallows, trying to keep the surge of her powers down. She didn't need him to have any more information. Her being an elf was far too much already.

"Taking you to my father," Fitz said. He looked at her as if she was an idiot. She glared up at him, being a few inches shorter. "He's going to determine what to do with you."

It's all Athena can do to run. She still has her pathfinder, but knowing her luck, Fitz would try to interrupt her light leap and cause both of them to die. 

"How did everything go?" The gates open and another Vacker walked over to greet Fitz. The man was tall and lean with dark wavy hair and striking teal eyes. As alwasy, the elves clothes were over the top with their long cloaks and fancy tunics. He was unmistakably Fitz's dad. They were the spitting image of each other. His father smiled until he saw Athena. "Who is this, Fitz?"

Straightening her posture, Athena prepared herself. All of her life was thrown out the window. Every time she hid her existence to keep Sophie safe was all in vein as she stood in front of Alden Vacker and his stupid son. She refused to look up.

"She says her name is Athena Kalivas. Despite her unconventional looks, I'm pretty sure she's an elf. I didn't know what to do about it so I thought you could look into it."

His tone irked Athena, but she said nothing as she turned to Alden. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Alden Vacker."

Fitz stared at her in disbelief as Athena spoke. Alden rose a brow. Both taken back by Athena's knowledge. Mr. Forkle raised Athena so that she wasn't in the dark even if she didn't grow up within elven society. She knew almost all of the important families, and the Vacker family was definitely up there in importance. "You know who I am?"

Athena nodded, keeping her gaze towards the ground. "May I return to the human world?"

"I'm afraid I can't do that." Alden said kindly. His kindness startled Her. She gave a "how did you end up so different?" look to Fitz who rolled his eyes. 

"She has a pathfinder," Fitz ratted out, earning another cold glare from Athena. Alden put his hand out to take it. With a sigh, Athena handed it over.

"How old are you, Athena?"

"15, almost 16, Sir." 

"So a bit older than Fitz." His voice was full of concern. Probably wondering how they had never heard of her.

With a deep breath, she asked her dreaded question. "Will you be reporting me to the council?"

Alden only nodded.