The Stars Said Hello [1]

C H A P T E R - 5

Sophie had to shield her face as she surveyed her new surroundings. The enormous metal gate in front of them glowed as bright as sunlight.

"Welcome to Everglen," Fitz said, leading her toward the doors. "What do you think?"

"It's very bright."

Meredith and Flitz laughed. "Yeah. The gate absorbs all the light, so no one can leap directly inside. My dad works for the Council, so he likes his privacy at home."

"I guess."

A faint click sounded, and the gate swung inward. Alden stood there in all his glory and Meredith grinned at him as he stepped forward towards them.

A floor-length, midnight blue cape was fastened across his shoulders with a clasp that looked like a pair of yellow, diamond-encrusted wings. He was tall and lean, with the same vibrant teal eyes and dark wavy hair.

"Sophie, this is my father, Alden," Fitz introduced. 

She managed a shy wave while Meredith stepped forward to grin at him more prominently.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sophie," Alden said with an accent more prominent than Fitz's. "I see Fitz wasn't kidding about the brown eyes. Most unusual."

She could feel her cheeks flush. "Oh. Uh. Yeah."

Alden smiled. Meredith then gave a cheeky grin towards Flitz and said while nudging his shoulder, "There's nothing to be embarrassed about. I think the color is quite pretty. Don't you, Fitz?"

Meredith grinned as Flitz agreed with her while Sophie turned red.

"Did you tell anyone else where Sophie was?" Fitz asked.

"Only the Council. Why?"

"Sophie said someone tried to take her this morning." Meredith added.

Alden's eyes widened. "Are you okay?" he asked, scanning Sophie like he was checking for injury.

"Yeah. He never got close enough to grab me. He just looked like he wanted to."

"Humans," Alden muttered.

"Actually, Sophie thought he might be an elf," Fitz told him.

Father and son shared a look while Meredith had a dark look in her eyes. Then Alden shook his head. "Kidnapping is a human crime. I've never heard of an elf even considering such a thing—much less trying it. What made you think it was one of us?"

"I might've been wrong," she said, "I just can't remember hearing his thoughts—which has only happened around Fitz and Meredith. And now you."

"Yes, Meredith told me about your telepathy." He reached out to touch her forehead. "Do you mind?"

"Um." She couldn't help taking a step back.

"I mean you no harm, I assure you. I'd love to see your memories of the kidnapper, if that's okay?"

She glanced at Fitz and Meredith and they nodded, trying to reassure her, but it was the kindness in Alden's eyes that made her agree.

Alden placed two fingers gently against her temples and closed his eyes. She tried to hold still—and avoid thinking about how good Fitz looked in his dark jacket—but as the seconds ticked by, she could feel her knees start to shake.

"Well," Alden said as he pulled his hands away. "You are indeed a fascinating girl."

"Couldn't hear her either, could you?" Fitz asked him, sounding triumphant. Meredith shook her head at him.