The Stars Said Hello [1]

C H A P T E R - 3 3

Sophie didn't sleep.

She barely blinked.

The Spyball felt like a magic window that could close anytime, and she didn't want to miss a second of seeing her family.

Even though she'd tried to forget them. Even though they didn't know she existed anymore. Nothing could erase the love she felt for them. So when the sun painted the sky pink and gold, she stashed the Spyball in the bottom one of her desk drawers, dug out her Imparter, and called Alden.

"What happened?" he asked, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

"The fires are near my family, aren't they?"

He hesitated before he answered. "Yes, but everything is under control. Why are you asking? Did you get another note?"

She nodded. "It said, 'You must help them.' I know it meant my family." She left out the names and the Spyball. She wasn't ready to give up her only connection to her family—not after almost eight months without them.

"I don't doubt that's what they meant, but you must remember that they're trying to manipulate you. What better way to do that than to use people you love?"

"They're in danger, Alden. There must be something we can do."

"There isn't. Without evidence, we can't make an accusation, and until that accusation is made—or the fires threaten our cities—the Council won't order an investigation. These things take time."

"We don't have time."

"Yes, we do. Listen, I know you're upset, but promise me you won't do anything."

Her jaw set.

"Promise me, Sophie, so I don't feel like I need to send someone to watch you. Come to Everglen this afternoon, and we'll see if we can't find a solution you're more comfortable with."

She didn't want to agree, but she didn't want a chaperone following her around. "Fine."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

"Good girl. I'll see you after school."

She stared at the Imparter long after Alden's image disappeared.

She knew he was right. She was definitely being manipulated. But in all of human history there had never been a firestorm like this. Global. Deadly. Clearly organized. With bright yellow flames.

An elf had to be behind it.

Which meant an elf had to stop it.

She wasn't going to run to the Council like the Black Swan wanted her to, but she couldn't sit back anymore. Someone had to do something.

Alden said they needed evidence to make the accusation. She would get it. She didn't know how, but she would find a way.

She threw on her uniform and raced downstairs to get Iggy's breakfast so she could leap to Foxfire early. Her plan was to search the libraries for books on evidence laws.

She never made it past the front door.

Another package. Another note. Another pin.

This time the message was slipped inside a bottle. Her hands shook as she dumped the contents into her palm. The little golden flareadon pin glinted against her skin, and she examined the details, trying to understand its significance. The note only made her more confused.

"Left three, down ten, right two. You have everything you need."

Everything she needed for what?