Stellarlune - KOTLC Book 8.5 Fanfic

Chapter 30

 Oralie screamed as darkness pounded against her glittering prison. The dove inside the storm. Dark mist fogged the vision, leaving nothing but the voice of the screams fading away...

Sophie's eyes snapped open as she clung onto Ella, sweat pouring on her forehead. A nightmare. After some of her friends had left Everglen, Fitz had led Sophie to the guest bedroom, and Edaline had helped Della prepare something, Sophie wasn't sure what, the moment had felt too despairing to focus on anything.

But now she was okay. Well, as okay as she could have been. Nightmares still tormented her when she slept that night, visions of what Oralie might be going through. Though Sophie did have a flair for the dramatic in nightmares. Yet most of them were based on the truth...

She blinked her bleary eyes once more, feeling exhausted. A deep ache had settled into all of her bones, and she wanted nothing but to curl up and rest. With no nightmares. But at least they told her about the reality. Still, sometimes, it was hard to feel grateful for it. Though it was a well-needed reminder that what Oralie was going through was no joke.

"You're awake," a heavily accented voice said. A set of teal eyes locked into her eyes. "Want anything?"

Fitz. He and Sophie had been through rocky relationships the past days, but their friendship had mended after a crisis. The hope seemed like a weak star, gently flickering through the dark sky. It seemed that in order for something good to happen, a sacrifice had to be made as well. And Sophie learnt that several times, way more than she wanted to. Though it did help her fall and get back up.

"Hi Fitz," she said, as he came over to her bed. "Any news?"

"Figures you would say that." Fitz's voice held a joking tone, but Sophie couldn't help noticing the tiny bit of truth leaking out of his words.

She shouldn't have assumed that her friends would've been okay with her decision. Though she was determined to set this crisis right. Well, one crisis at a time.

"Mr. Forkle was going to tell us a few more things, but then..." Fitz stopped, fixated at the ground. "It was a bit hectic, right?" His eyes were pained as he looked up.

Sophie nodded, not able to do anything else.

"I know you don't want to hear this, but are you sure you're okay?" Fitz asked gently.

No.

She wasn't really okay. But she was going to stay with her decision. Even if it pained her. Though, it would pain her a whole lot more if she did change her decision. So she answered carefully. "Yeah."

Fitz's eyes studied her and gave a simple nod as she ducked her head down.

He didn't say anything as he walked out of the guest room, leaving Sophie privacy.

Was she letting everybody down by disappointing them?

She wasn't sure at all.

Sophie dragged herself out of the irresistible bed, and got ready, deciding to wear a pale dress, the colour of a rose. She supposed that a causal top would be better, but gave up the pursuit when she saw that there were none.

Sophie opened the door to find the hall empty, and she navigated through the familiar walls, towards the main living room. Della and Edaline were cooking something together, Grady and Alden studied some scrolls, Biana read a book, and Fitz looked around the room like he was looking for something.

His eyes finally settled onto her, and she offered a wave. Everybody looked up from what they were doing and time seemed to stop.

Everybody's eyes were fixated onto her, and she resisted the urge to squirm. Were they that uncomfortable with her choice?

Then suddenly, everybody exchanged nervous smiles and offered greetings, Della trying to hug Sophie without getting batter on her, and Edaline offering a kiss on her forehead. She slowly slid away from them, and they carried on with the cooking. Sophie wasn't sure how the rest of her friends would react to her... And she wasn't looking forward to knowing.