Operation Infiltration (Kotlc Fanfic)

Chapter 17 • Masquerade

«◈･ ｡ ˚ ° ⋆✦【 Sophie 】✦⋆ ° ˚ ｡ ･◈»

The ocean came into view, and it was the only thing I could see for miles. Fintan wasted no time jumping into the whirlpool, dragging us with him. The water transported us quickly, and we landed on the giant sponge that dried us off.

"What was that for?" Tam glared at Fintan and I joined in, equally annoyed.

"It's better to be early, we can mingle with more people." Fintan said with cold calculation, though his lips twitched into a faint smile. He turned toward the city to admire the view. "It's been a while since I was here..." the pyrokinetic's voice softened as he gazed longingly at the balefire spires.

I pointedly ignored the fire and inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of salt in the air and the freshly baked goods. My stomach rumbled, and I hoped there would be food at the party. I hadn't realized how much I missed Atlantis, even though I rarely visited. The towering buildings were far more comforting than the cramped Neverseen base.

A voice from behind interrupted my thoughts. "Are you here for the Councillor's election party? If you're lost, I can show you the way." I turned to see Fintan talking to a young elf in a poofy, shimmering gray dress.

"Of course. Lead the way." Fintan smiled, making my skin crawl from how innocent it looked.

We followed her along a wide canal, the water reflecting the city clearly. Eventually, we approached a towering building made entirely of shimmering crystals. The structure had spires and arches reaching skyward.

As we stepped onto the front lawns, elves in elegant attire wandered about, their laughter filling the air. Under the soft balefire lighting, the scene felt almost magical. The atmosphere was joyous, and I couldn't help but smile. I hadn't realized how isolating the Neverseen had been.

Caught up in the moment, I held out my arm to Tam and said, "Shall we?" I asked with a playful smile.

Tam grinned back and took my arm, matching the mood. Fintan shot us an icy glare.

"We're supposed to be blending in." Tam whispered, rolling his eyes, but his smirk betrayed his amusement. I snickered at Fintan's scowl as we headed for the grand entrance.

The ballroom was clad in the finest marble, with veins of gold. Tables and chairs were set at the edges. The middle of the room was free for dancing and chatting.

Our guide stopped and turned to us. "The Council won't be here for thirty minutes, but until then, have fun." She winked at Tam before leaving them.

Tam glowered from under his bangs. "What's the matter?" I asked.

"My parents are over there." He pointed to a group of people gossiping, their laughter high-pitched.

"Let's just avoid them. It's not like they'd recognize you anyway." I said, and he chuckled at that. "True."

Fintan held us by the shoulders, whispering in our ears, "Listen up, you two, your codenames will be Lyra and Dorian, while I'm Alaric. We are part of the Seren family. Got it?"

"Wait, am I Dorian? That sounds stupid." Tam shifted uncomfortably.

"Don't be ridiculous, it's a strong elven name, it's not too uncommon to arouse suspicion." He gazed out into the crowd. "I will find our newest allies. While you follow my lead."

"Lyra Seren..." I tested the name under my breath. Fintan let go of us, walking over to where they were serving food and bit into a cinnamon roll. "Why are you coming over here? Didn't you just say you were going to find-"

"I did. This is where the best conversations happen." Fintan gestured towards the mingling guests near the food tables. "Hungry people are more likely to be irritable, that's why we should be here. Watch and learn."

Fintan shot us a warning look before striding confidently toward a group of more finely dressed elves. He slipped into the crowd like he belonged, blending in effortlessly. His years as a Councillor were clear in the way he could captivate people's attention.

I exchanged a glance with Tam, who still seemed grumpy about his codename, though his mood brightened at the sight of the food. We made our way over and grabbed plates, filling them to the brim with the most juicy pastries. I've been starving for real food ever since I got stuck in the Neverseen. He shadowwhispered, his shadow stretching over my hand as we reached for the same mallowmelt.

"Hey! I was going to eat that one." I protested as Tam stuffed it into his mouth.

"That's too bad," Tam said, his voice muffled. He sighed contently as he chewed, his expression blissful. The sight of him enjoying the dessert made me giggle.

Tam shot me a scowl as he realized I was laughing at him, turning away in embarrassment. I bit into the snacks I had already piled on my plate, savoring each bite. The flavors were rich, a stark contrast to the Neverseen's food, if you could call it that.

Fintan's laughter carried from the group of elves he was mingling with, but I ignored it, my eyes wandering over the crowd. My heart ached as I scanned their faces, hoping that my friends were there. To just catch a glimpse of them...

The longer I stood there, the more the inferno within me stirred. The ever-present heat under my skin begged to be unleashed, to be free to consume everything in its path. Every moving body was like a beacon of heat, and the flames in my mind screamed for release.

I started breathing heavily, my vision blurring at the edges. It was getting harder to keep control.

"Sophie? Are you okay?" Tam's voice broke through my haze as he glanced with concern flickering in his eyes.

Before I could answer, Fintan appeared in front of me, his hands covering my shaking ones. Whether it was to calm me or conceal the sparks flying from my fingers, I couldn't tell. "Hey, it's going to be okay. Let's get some fresh air. Tam, make sure nobody bothers us."

Tam grumbled but nodded. Fintan led me toward the balcony, the cool breeze hitting my face as we stepped outside. I inhaled deeply, focusing on the cold crystal railing beneath my fingers, trying to quiet the raging inferno within.

"Take deep breaths. Focus on the cold. Clear your mind." Fintan's voice was low and controlled as I nodded and concentrated. Grounding my body and mind in the crystal's natural coolness. A few minutes had passed, but before I could fully regain control, a crisp voice interrupted.

"Oh, I hadn't realized somebody was already here."

I turned slowly. Standing at the doorway, bathed in the soft glow of the light spilling out from the party, were Fitz and Biana. Tam stood to the side, doing his best to act casual. Fintan muttered something about incompetence.

Biana leaned in closer to Fitz, whispering something in his ear. "We should've just hid in the bushes. Nobody would bother us in there." Her voice was a low murmur, but I could still hear it clearly.

Fintan's eyes darkened, his lip twitched into a humorless smile. "People are such a drag, aren't they?"

Biana didn't seem to catch his shift in tone, instead, she continued casually. "Yeah, and can you believe the rude comments people make behind your back? They act like we don't have ears."

Fintan's eyes narrowed, and his smile widened with understanding. "Oh, I think I could." His tone was unsettling, as if he knew all too well what Biana was talking about.

He opened his mouth, but before he could respond, a loud bell echoed from the hall, followed by, "The Council has arrived!"