Keeper of the Lost Cities Story; The Lost Secret

Chapter 21

"So tell me again, you heard footsteps in your bedroom. Then as you went up the stairs you saw the shadows get darker and your ankle started to hurt. He carried you to your room and you saw the letter," Mr. Forkle says. 

Kai and Asher nod to confirm. 

"Can I see your ankle?" Tam asks. 

He was there for shadow-flux training but stopped by to see what the commotion was all about. Linh is also here, she came with her brother. 

"Yeah," Kai lifts her leggings slightly to make the marking visible. 

"Woah," Linh breathes. "It is super red now," 

She is right. The skin around the mark is now red and raw. Tam reaches down and brushes his fingers against it, making Kai flinch.

"Sorry," Tam says. "It is definitely stronger than before though," 

"Meaning what?" Asher asks. 

"Meaning Umber was there and she must have sent shadows to you when you guys were walking up the stairs," 

"Why is her echo so different than mine?" Sophie asks. 

Tam thinks for a second before responding. "Well, for one thing, it's branded on the skin instead of inside you. Also, I don't think her's is bridged to anything, like yours," 

Kai isn't sure what he means by bridge, but she doesn't want to ask. 

"Let me read the note again," Sophie says. Kai hands her the note. 

"It's a threat," Sophie says. "'Your father would be proud of what you're doing'. If they really did kill him because he left the Neverseen, then that has to be a threat," 

Kai knows that, and it terrifies her. Before she says anything, Mr. Forkle intervenes. 

"I'm arranging bodyguards right now, but I think you should stay out of your house tonight. I've spoken with Tigran and I want you to stay with Tam and Linh tonight," Mr. Forkle says. "If that's all right with you," 

Kai thinks about it for a second. She doesn't exactly trust the Blackswan, but she does feel like she can trust Tam and Linh. 

"Yes, I'm okay with that," Kai says. 

Asher gives her a look but doesn't say anything. 

"Okay perfect, I'll meet you back here tomorrow afternoon at lunch to talk some more," Mr. Forkle says before holding up a leaping crystal and leaping away. 

"Here's your note," Sophie says holding out the paper to Kai. 

"Thanks," 

Kai turns to Asher, "Thanks for helping me, and for everything," She pulls him into a hug. 

"Just don't tell anyone this... please," Kai whispers. "It's just hard and my family alre-"

"Kai, I'm not going to tell anyone," he whispers. His breath tickles her neck and ear. 

"Thank you," 

They pull away and Asher pulls out his home crystal. "Hail me if you need me," He says as the light takes him away. 

Once he's gone Kai turns towards the twins. "So, are you still going to train?" Kai asks. 

Tam thinks about it for a second, "Nah, I think I'll skip tonight," 

"Okay," 

"Should we head home then?" Linh asks Tam, and Kai technically. 

"Yeah," Tam says. 

They say their goodbyes to Sophie and Linh grasps her hand. 

"Ready?" Linh asks. 

Kai nods, and with that Tam holds up their home crystal. Sophie waves goodbye as the light carries them away. 

AUTHORS NOTE:
Sorry for the short chapter. Are you guys enjoying the story though? Also, let me know any ideas you have, I'd love to hear them!