Book Two: KOTLC One-shots and More

Okay (Keefe POV)

A/N: @littlemissmelsie25 and @greenbean_123ean had both requested I cover the big conversation at Havenfield toward the end of "Legacy" leading into Loamnore, continuing on through the major event. That will be covered in this chapter and the next.

Keefe made his way toward the Leapmaster at the Shores of Solace, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

He had felt just a moment's thrill--like he always did--when he saw that Foster was hailing him.

But the worry crease between her eyebrows, though ridiculously adorable, told him something was definitely wrong.

That, and the fear in her eyes.

She reached up and tugged out an eyelash as she told him she needed him to come to Havenfield, because she'd found a note.

From his mom.

On one of the ribbons his mom had tied around Wynn and Luna at some point in the night.

His mom.

Invading Havenfield, slipping past the expansive defenses Sandor had set up, threatening the wellbeing of Keefe's favorite person and beloved little alicorn family.

And this time, it wasn't because Sophie was the moonlark.

It was because of Keefe.

People he cared about were in danger because his mom had decided it was time to fulfill his legacy.

So the whole Council and the Black Swan were gathering at Havenfield to discuss the note and their options.

Feeling distinctly nauseated with anger at his stupid messed up family and stupid messed up life, Keefe called down the crystal for Havenfield and stepped into the light path it created.

A crowd was already gathering, and they were discussing what to do. He'd gotten a fleeting, weary smile from Foster from across the room, but that was it.

He was surprised that Fitz wasn't right by her side, holding her hand and making her heart flutter and making her forget all about Keefe and Keefe's mom.

Ugh.

But Fitz was on the other side of the room, and Keefe knew him well enough to know that he seemed upset. But then...weren't they all?

Curiously, feeling the general upset in the room calmed him. Or maybe it was just that the general chaos and conversation was distracting and naturally pulled him out of his gloom.

Either way, he found himself gravitating toward Foster. Maybe because he could feel her anxiety and heartache from across the room.

And a strange sense of avoidance.

Who was she avoiding?

He understood the anxiety, all things considered, but not the avoidance. Or the heartache.

She felt...

Heartbroken. And betrayed.

So he leaned in and murmured, "everything okay?"

She jumped, and he knew she hadn't realized he was standing so close.

"Um, the Neverseen just gave us an ultimatum—and they tied it around Wynn's and Luna's necks."

"Yeah, and their notes didn't even rhyme!" he added, clicking his tongue, hoping to lighten the mood. "I mean, seriously, how hard is it to shape a threat into a clever couplet or two?"

But her bad mood was stubborn today. He elbowed her when she didn't laugh, and that only earned a glare.

Keefe sighed. "In all seriousness, you don't have to worry. I'm not going to let my mom hurt anyone."