Operation Infiltration (Kotlc Fanfic)

Chapter 18 • A Dance with Danger

«◈･ ｡ ˚ ° ⋆✦【 Sophie 】✦⋆ ° ˚ ｡ ･◈»

While the bell rang, Biana said. "We should get going. Alden would be furious at us being late." Biana grabbed her brother's arm and dragged him back inside.

Tam and I followed Fintan as he made his way through the crowd, eventually finding a hidden spot to watch the announcement.

The Council gathered on stage, their expressions cheerful as they scanned the silent crowd. Fintan's gaze lingered on them, and I thought he was looking longingly at Bronte, but maybe I imagined it.

Councillor Emery stepped forward and greeted the audience. "Welcome, everyone! I hope you're all enjoying yourselves. Try not to overdo it with the food." A few elves chuckled softly.

A lengthy speech followed, discussing how the future ahead was going to be bright. By the time it was halfway through, my eyelids were heavy, and I would've fallen asleep standing if Fintan hadn't nudged me awake, though he looked just as bored as I felt.

"...And now, let the dancing begin!" Emery concluded, and the Council walked off the stage to the crowd applauding.

"Finally," Fintan muttered, scanning the room with a frown. "Something's missing... where did Tam go?"

"Huh?" I blinked, still processing the announcement. "Oh, uh, I don't know."

A glint of silver caught my eye from across the ballroom. I squinted and spotted Tam talking to someone. Fintan was still distracted, so I slipped away, heading toward Tam. I was about to tap on his shoulder when I heard Linh's familiar voice.

"Tam, is it really you?" Her voice was trembling slightly.

"Shh... yes, it's me, but keep your voice down. I'm on a mission." Tam said.

"Tam, should you really reveal yourself?" I whispered behind him, using my normal voice, startling both twins.

Linh turned with wide eyes. "Sophie!" She pulled me into a tight hug, and I stiffened, glancing around. "Don't say my name so loud. Someone could hear..."

"I'm sorry. I just..." Linh's voice wavered. "I missed you both." She grabbed Tam and forced him into the hug as well. Tam froze but then hugged his twin back.

"I missed you too, Linh," he muttered, his grip tightening. Both of their tight holds had me gasping for air. Finally, Linh let go.

"It hasn't been that long," I said, though it certainly felt like it had. "Are the others here? I saw Fitz and Biana earlier."

"They are probably eating or dancing." All three of us searched for them.

"We should make this quick before Fintan catches us talking to them." Tam said with a sigh.

Linh's eyes widened in horror. "Fintan's here?"

"Yeah, we're on a mission for the Neverseen." Tam whispered, rolling his eyes. "But don't worry, we haven't turned sides. We're infiltrating them."

Linh nodded, understanding. "I see... oh look, there they are!" She pointed to Fitz, Biana, and Keefe, who were arguing by the food tables. We walked over to surprise them.

"Stop talking with your mouth full!" Biana scolded him.

"But you're talking to me, I have to respond." Keefe said.

"Ahh!" Fitz and Biana yelped when Linh startled them, while Keefe had stopped talking.

Fitz noticed the two elves behind her. "Oh, it's you from earlier. Are these your friends, Linh?"