Elysian

Chapter Two.

Sophie landed outside the room they were keeping Rayni in, doing her best to stay quiet. She remembers the last time she was in this hallway, only a few weeks ago. She quietly tested the doorknob, and it swung open.

Why wasn't it locked? She thought, before creeping in. In the room, next to a cat statue, was Rayni, asleep in a bed of pillows.

Rayni. Wake up. She transmitted

Who is this? Rayni's voice echoed through Sophie's head

Sophie. Just wake up.

Well, I'm clearly awake, if I'm talking to you. I heard the door.

Right. Just open your eyes, please.

Rayni sat up slightly, opening her eyes. What happened to your hair?

Not important. I might need your help with something.

Ooh, are you finally ditching your friends and doing something about the Neverseen, but you need my help?

Sophie raised her eyebrows. That was just a guess?

Mainly a hope that you've come to your senses, which you have. She flung the pillows away from her, standing up and stretching When do we leave? And where are we going?

I- haven't thought that far. Sophie admitted

Right. Course you didn't. Lucky for you, I'm an overthinker and already have a plan. She pulled out a bag from behind one of the pillows and put the cat statue in it, as well as a few clothes that she had.

Care to share?

Absolutely. You teleport us to the Forbidden Cities, and we use one of the abandoned Neverseen safehouses as a base of operations.

Sophie paused. Is that safe?

When has anything having to do with taking down the Neverseen been safe, Blondie? Rayni gave her a look, pulling her bag over her shoulder.

Fair point. Where's the safe house? And do you speak English?

Toronto. And yes. The Neverseen thought it'd be useful.

Sophie looked straight at Rayni. Can you let me into your mind? I need to see the safehouse in order to teleport us to it.

As long as you don't go poking around in there, Blondie.

I promise. Just think about what the outside looks like, that should be enough. Sophie walked up to Rayni. May I?

Rayni nodded, and she put her fingers to her temples, entering her mind.

Rayni's mind was disorganized, with memories floating about. The first one that Sophie saw was of a townhouse made of red bricks with a gabled roof and a white door. It looked exactly like the other ones around it, and there was snow on the ground.

Alright, got it. Sophie transmitted, removing her fingers from Rayni's temples

The feeling of telepaths in my mind will never stop feeling weird. How does your teleportation work?

We have to fall from a high distance. I hope you aren't afraid of heights. I need to get rid of my registry pendant first. She transmitted to her

Lucky for us, I never got mine back. Rayni responded, before digging into her bag and tossing Sophie some pliers Don't ask where I got those.

Sophie caught them. Wasn't going to. She snipped the chains hooked around her registry pendant with the pliers before prying it off her neck. She buried it in the mountain of pillows on Rayni's bed.

Rayni walked over to the window and slid it open. They never thought to put locks on the windows for some reason.

Probably because they have goblin guards outside who'll see you if you drop off the roof. Sophie commented, walking over.

Fair. Rayni stepped out through the window and offered Sophie her hand. I promise I won't push you off the ledge.

Very funny. She deadpanned, taking her hand and hoisting herself out of the window. The breeze was colder here than it was back at Havenfield. Sophie pictured the townhouse from Rayni's memories in her mind as they started levitating up, before they dropped into the void.