Keeper of the Lost Cities: Elysian

Chapter 75

Seeing her face on the massive display screen broadcasting to the entirety of the Lost Cities, armed with nothing but her words, and feeling the horrifying and wondrous reality sink in, Sophie took a deep breath.

She felt like herself. She felt ready. She felt great.

"A speech," Edaline had said thoughtfully. Her parents had been the first to know, along with Sandor and Flori. "I think that's a wonderful idea."

"I completely agree," Flori chimed in, her eyes twinkling. "Where is all this new confidence coming from?"

It could have been from Keefe's return. Or knowing she had prevented the abyss from wreaking further havoc and brainwashing people.

"It's because I know who I am now," Sophie said, feeling tears of joy spring to her eyes. She turned to face Sandor, who immediately averted his eyes. "It has never been this clear to me who I am, who I want to be, and how I want to help the world."

Edaline's eyes were misty as well, but they possessed a warmth that made Sophie's heart swell with joy. "You have no idea... how proud I am of you, Sophie."

The memory filled her mind as she ran her fingers over the special tunic she now wore. Its design was primarily by Biana and Merida, but nearly all her friends had provided their input on its creation.

Despite its objective simplicity, it was the most beautiful outfit Sophie had ever laid her eyes on. Every one of her friends' contributions shone- Sophie could easily discern the white splotches of stars Keefe had added to the midnight blue fabric of her cape, every stitch Biana had meticulously sewed, and Merida's use of the colors cyan, lavender, and pink to represent the beautiful duskbeams.

Now, she was clad in this modest but beautiful outfit, standing at a podium with a dozen projectors, cameras, and recording devices.

The only portion of the vast audience she could see was composed of her friends, parents, bodyguards, and the Council, who gave smiles and mouthed encouraging messages at her as she took one look around the room.

Councillor Oralie, who stood before Sophie, checked the time on a handheld device and nodded at Emery.

"You may begin," he said quietly. "Good luck."

"Good morning, everyone," Sophie began. "Thank you so much for your time and cooperation. I understand that the events of late have been distressing, and there haven't been many clear explanations, so my main goal today is to be as transparent and honest as I can possibly be while staying within bounds of confidentiality. All facts I present today will be of truth- and that can be confirmed by Councillor Oralie, who is moderating beside me this very moment."

Sophie wasn't lying- she didn't plan to, either.

She just wasn't planning on the full truth. Not until they could ensure confidentiality and security.

"It's still too dangerous for the Councillors to know everything," Elysian had insisted, staring at the tea she had been swirling around in her cup for the past half an hour. "That's why I wiped their minds. I know... I feel really guilty about it."

"They should know, though," Sophie argued. "I just wish there was a way to be able to communicate everything and trust them."

"I have a plan," Merida murmured. "I don't know if it's going to work, though. It also involves a lot of people- all of us, Keefe, and probably Dex or some other Technopath."

"Honestly, any plan sounds great," Sophie answered curiously. "Tell us more."

Sophie paused for a moment to allow the people to process. Then she continued.