Operation Infiltration (Kotlc Fanfic)

Chapter 13 • Left in the Ashes

Oralie watched the sunset from her spot beside Sophie's wanderling tree. Deep oranges and purples painted the sky. She glanced at the tree in the dying light. Such a scrawny little thing, a fragile tree that seemed about to tip over from a breeze. It reminded her of when she first saw Sophie in the Lost Cities. Timid and shy, but full of hidden strength.

A wave of regret washed over her. If only she had taken the time to know her daughter more. A stubborn tear streaked her face. If she allowed herself to cry, she feared she wouldn't be able to stop.

She stared back at the sunset, ignoring the haunting reminder that Sophie was gone. Lost in thought, she jolted awake when she noticed a figure approaching in the distance. The pointy ears and reflective circlet were unmistakable. Oralie wiped her tears before Bronte could see them.

He scanned Sophie's wanderling tree, then her. "What are you doing here?" He asked, his tone as blunt as ever.

Typical Bronte, being so insensitive. "I could ask the same of you." She replied, her voice sharper than she'd intended.

"I'm here because..." Bronte searched for a reason. "I felt like it." He said, sitting down beside her.

"It's a shame that she's gone now. So much potential wasted..." Bronte's words hung in the air, a heavy reminder of the loss they both felt. Oralie's heart clenched.

Bronte's presence disrupted the somber atmosphere, yet there was a strange comfort in not being alone. Together, they watched the last of the sunset and the stars emerge. A soft gasp from Bronte broke the silence and her thoughts.

"What is it?"

He pointed at the tree, where the star-shaped leaves were now faintly glowing under the night sky.

Oralie smiled, but her eyes went misty. "She never fails to surprise me."

Bronte stared at her, his gaze softening. When he noticed her looking back, he hesitated before speaking. "Do you think it's possible she survived?"

Oralie's heart swelled with bittersweet hope. "Anything's possible with her."

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From One Empath to Another

Keefe had hidden notes for his friends to meet at Slurps and Burps. The front door belched loudly as he walked inside, a fitting welcome for him. Elixirs of every shape and color cluttered the shelves, creating a chaotic rainbow of potions.

He made sure to be the last one to arrive. As Keefe turned the corner, he flashed his trademarked smirk, the one that usually disarms everyone. A group of teenagers turned to look at him: Dex, Fitz, Linh, and Biana. Their faces lit up with a mixture of relief and worry.

When they noticed Keefe, they all started bombarding him with questions and trying to hug him. Upon contact with his skin, he sensed their emotions more clearly, spiking with concern and excitement.

"Hey, back off, and don't touch my hair." He said, raising his hands defensively, but there was no threat in his voice. Keefe ran his fingers through his messy hair as he pulled away.

"Are you hurt?" Fitz asked.

"Of course not." After ensuring everyone was there, Keefe scanned the group, his playful demeanor slipping. Something was missing. "Where's Bangs Boy? Did he not escape too?"

"No, we haven't seen him." Linh's eyes welled up with tears.

A more pressing thought crossed Keefe's mind, making his heart skip a beat. "Wait, where's Sophie? She's late, isn't she?" He forced a smile, but it felt strained.