Elysian (After Stellarlune)

39. Sophie's POV

This is a dual chapter, taking place at the same time as chapter 38. Have fun!

I can do this. Sophie told herself. She looked at the clock above her temporary bedroom door.

11:15

I should get ready.

Sophie thought through what she needed.

I need...

Sophie came up short. She was going to die, wasn't she? Why would she need anything besides herself?

Sophie started pacing. What would she do when she got there? She would wait for Elysian to show up. Would she say anything? No, she'd probably only say anything when directly spoken to. This was nerve wracking as it was without some huge speech or whatever.

How do I say goodbye?

She should... only say the most important goodbyes. Grady and Edaline seemed like more than enough, and Sophie had already basically said goodbye to Biana. She already knew what constant questioning from Fitz was like, so she couldn't risk that. And Alden and Della shouldn't have to worry about Sophie.

Sophie went through the plan in her head one more time. She would talk to Grady and Edaline. Sandor and Ro were gone, so there were no bodyguards for them to force with her. None that could keep up, anyways. Sophie would insist that her abilities were as strong as ever, and that if Elysian came for her, she would use them. If they remembered Elysian's Silencing ability, Sophie would emphasize her adeptness in skills, and hope that was enough to convince them.

Sophie steeled herself as she walked out of her room and towards her parents. When she got there, Sophie took one last deep breath before opening the door to her parents' room.

They were there, sitting on the bed, talking quietly so that Sophie only caught a few words, like "Havenfield," "Keefe," and "Stellarlune."

Sophie cleared her throat, and her parents looked up towards her.

"Sophie!" Edaline said, mildly surprised. "We haven't seen you for a while. Are you okay?"

Sophie decided to tell a fraction of the truth. "No. I'm worried about him."

Edaline rushed up and gave Sophie a comforting hug. "It'll be alright. We'll find him."

Tears were already threatening to run down Sophie's cheeks.

No. She told herself. I have to stay strong.

If she let just how distressed she was, she might give away her plans.

Better safe than sorry. How ironic.

Sophie pulled out of Edaline's hug and sat down next to Grady, him to her left and Edaline now at her right.

Sophie opened her mouth, to tell her parents that she was going to Havenfield, when she realized...

Her parents would never buy it. Sophie coming in here, all dramatic and sad; they would never let her go.

So Sophie threw out all of her plans, and decided to lie as little as she could in her last moments talking to her parents.

"I love you guys." Sophie blurted. "I- I just, I wanted you to know that. In case- well, with what happened to Keefe, I needed you to know."

Grady's mouth was open, and his eyes were glassy. "Of course we know that. And we- we love you too, Sophie. Always."

Grady pulled Sophie in for another hug, and Edaline joined as well.