Every Sokeefe Moment Ever (8.5-10+) 💞

Unlocked, Chapter 16 (Keefe)

Some spots even merged into a soft teal tone, which made Keefe want to roll his eyes and grumble about Fitzphie.

But Foster would love it.

And honestly, he hoped Fitz would step up and become whoever and whatever she needed him to be.

She deserved that.

She deserved to be happy.

_ _ _

Not that he'd be around to claim his victory.

Or to see Foster's reaction.

But that was probably better, since a colorful, stripy imp wasn't the only surprise he was leaving for her.

He pulled the letter he'd written from his pocket and carried Iggy's cage over to the giant canopied bed, setting both on the pillow so there was no way anyone would miss them.

His brain kept screaming at him to tear the letter up and rewrite it. But there was no time for that.

Plus... it was better to be honest, wasn't it?

_ _ _

"Bite anyone who tries to hurt her, okay?" he told Iggy. "Or better yet, just fart in their face."

Iggy burped again, making the room smell like rotting umber leaves.

Keefe gagged. "Burping works too. Just... take care of her."

He might've been imagining it, but he could've sworn the tiny imp nodded.

"Thanks," he whispered.

And now he was definitely stalling, so it was time to go.

But... his legs wouldn't cooperate.

_ _ _

"That's right—I heard you aren't talking now." Grady's eyes focused on the sealed envelope with Sophie's name written across it. "Is that what the letter's for? Trying to keep in touch?"

Nodding would've been easier.

Grady probably would've dropped the subject.

But for some reason, Keefe shook his head.

Grady sighed. "Yeah. I was afraid of that. And I'm guessing I don't want to know what you wrote in there."

That time Keefe definitely nodded.

Grady's jaw tightened—and his teeth made a painful grinding sound when he took a longer look at Keefe, focusing on Keefe's backpack. "Going somewhere?"

_ _ _

Grady shook his head and dropped his hands. "You don't understand, Keefe. Everything's about to get really messy. Sophie burned down the Neverseen's storehouse today."

Keefe's eyebrows shot up so high, they felt like they were stretching his face.

"Yeah," Grady said quietly. "Apparently she gets in even more trouble without you there. Who knew?"

Keefe's lips pulled into a smile, even though it really wasn't funny.

He closed his eyes, taking several calming breaths before chancing one quick question. "Is she okay?"

"For now." Grady made his way over to the bed and sank down on the edge, looking more exhausted than Keefe had ever seen him when he added, "I'm sure it won't be long before the Neverseen retaliate. And I have a horrible feeling it'll be their cruelest attack yet. Sandor's working on new security strategies, but you and I both know how stubborn Sophie can be about that kind of thing. And... honestly... as much as I don't understand your friendship... she does listen to you sometimes. And rely on you.

And... I think she's going to need you for this next part." Keefe wasn't sure that was true.

But Grady had to be pretty desperate to tell him that.

In fact, he could feel Grady's worry hanging over them like heavy storm clouds.

_ _ _

But Grady put a hand on his shoulder. "Wait, I need you to take this with you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out his Imparter. "I promise, I'll only use it for an emergency. I just... I have a feeling Sophie's going to need you before this is all over. So please, keep it in your pocket—and swear to me that you'll answer if I hail you."

_ _ _

Keefe nodded, grabbing the Imparter and shoving it into his pocket as Grady's words replayed in his head.

Sophie's going to need you.

He didn't think she would.

He knew she would keep right on being her brave, powerful, awesome self and show his mom why the moonlark would always be better and smarter and stronger than anyone else.