Operation Infiltration (Kotlc Fanfic)

Chapter 11 • Kindling Chaos

Something shook Sophie awake—the last thing she wanted since the fever had returned.

"Wake up, Phoenix! Or you'll be late for training!" Was that Ruy's voice?

She blamed the body temperature training from yesterday for muddling her senses. Cursing Fintan, she opened her eyes, Ruy's blurry face in the way.

"Why are you here again?" Sophie said, her mind still foggy from sleep.

"I noticed you weren't at breakfast. Then again, it tastes horrible. I sometimes skip it too." Ruy grimaced and helped her up, and they departed, sprinting down the corridor, stopping as they reached the double doors.

The chamber was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the faces of the Neverseen members. It felt as though the armband's eyes stared directly at Sophie. The air was heavy with anticipation as whispers of secrecy filled the space.

"Sorry, I'm late, I slept in." Sophie laughed nervously. Ruy snuck past her.

Gethen scowled from under his hood. "Stand here!" He pointed next to him.

Sophie gulped and raced to his side, outside of his arm's reach.

"Phoenix, we're learning telekinesis today. You'll serve as my example." Sophie disliked that idea as Gethen took a firm stance.

Sophie gasped as Gethen lifted her into the air, and she flailed, making it harder for Gethen. A harsh chuckle escaped from him as she resisted.

"The goal is to lift your partner using only telekinesis. The person being lifted must escape without harming themselves." A few snickered as Sophie fell out of his grip.

"Pair up and dismiss. Ruy, don't think I didn't see you come in late either." Gethen said, pointing at a figure shrinking in the crowd. Sophie rubbed her hurt elbow as she staggered away.

Sophie's burning rage boiled over as she thought about Gethen dropping her, the emotional outburst worsening her fever.

"Phoenix, today is your first day of real training." Gethen said.

"Wasn't that yesterday?"

"I'm referring to training in telepathy. Now come here." Sophie's excitement almost got the better of her as they gathered against the wall. "Open your mind to mine."

Sophie held her breath as she did the telepathy trick from before. The memory served as a warning to guard her thoughts closely.

Once more, Gethen lingered near the edge of her mind. His mind felt cold, calculating, and even cruel. Every thought was meticulously processed, devoid of empathy or compassion.

Observe the room, Gethen instructed her.

Her gaze moved to the crowd training in telekinesis. The sound of hushed conversations and the occasional rustle of clothing echoed off the walls. The air carried a distinct aroma of tension, mingled with sweat.

Reach out with your mind, touching the surfaces of theirs without them noticing.

Sophie was unsure of how to proceed. She reached out lightly. Now she could feel their outer thoughts. One of them felt familiar, but she dismissed it as missing her friends and family. Most thoughts she overheard were of boredom, or wandering trains of thought.

Dimly, she also overheard Gethen's thoughts. I can't believe the Black Swan would let this potential go to waste.

Sophie never thought she'd agree with Gethen, of all people. His reminder about the Black Swan rekindled the rage she felt toward the Neverseen. They had attacked them. Hurt them. Why is it getting hotter in here?