The Stars Said Hello [1]

C H A P T E R - 3 7

"Oh gods, it you guys again. Can't you leave us to be." Meredith groaned.

"I wouldn't scream if I were you," the figure with the weapon warned them. "I'm not afraid to use a melder, and you will not enjoy it." He pointed the metal gadget at Sophie's forehead. "A few seconds will only stun you. Any more will cause permanent damage. Do you understand?"

"You wouldn't do that with humans around," Sophie said, hating her voice for shaking. The bridge wasn't crowded, but there were a few people out for evening strolls. One of them would notice the three figures in black hooded cloaks threatening children and call the police.

All three figures laughed, and the one with the weapon—who appeared to be the leader—moved a step closer. "They have no idea we're here." He pulled a small black orb from his cloak. "This is an Obscurer. It bends light and sound around us like a force field. All anyone can see or hear right now is wind and a slight distortion in the air, like heat waves radiating off the ground."

"The bad guys have Melders and Obscurers. The joy."

"Girl, wasn't those days enough for you?" One figure said.

"Oh, they were more than enough. Now when I get my hands on you, you shall be gone."

Sophie reached for Dex's hand. They were on their own.

"I don't know how you escaped," the leader hissed as he handed a coil of silver rope to one of his goons. "But you can rest assured it won't happen again."

Sophie bit her lip so she wouldn't cry out as the goon jerked her hands behind her back and tied them tight. "How did you find us?"

"The Black Swan must've thought we wouldn't check our own pathways. Let that be a lesson to you. Never underestimate your opponent."

"If you're not the Black Swan, who are you?" Sophie demanded.

"Wouldn't you like to know," the goon sneered as he tied her ankles. The cold metal wire cut into her skin, but she barely felt it as she focused all her concentration on calling for help.

Please, Fitz, she transmitted, imagining him in the halls of Everglen. Her brain buzzed with energy, and she pushed her mind further than she ever had before. We're in Paris—Pont Alexandre III. We need help. Tell your dad and please hurry!

Maybe adrenaline enhanced her concentration—or maybe it was wishful thinking—but the message seemed stronger this time, like she could actually feel it swirl inside Fitz's mind as he struggled to ignore it.

Please listen to me. I'm not dead—but I might be if you don't come. Please send help.

Strong arms shook her shoulders so hard her brain rattled, severing her connection.

"She was transmitting again," the goon yelled. "Never heard a call that loud either. We should get out of here in case anyone heard her."

"Agreed—and don't try that again unless you want to find out what the melder would do to your powerful little brain. Understood?" The leader pointed the weapon between her eyes.

She swallowed the bile filling her mouth. "What are you going to do with us?"

"That's none of your business. Let's go."

Dex hadn't said a word since the kidnappers appeared. Sophie figured the was in shock, but he must've been channeling, because in one rapid burst he ripped apart his bonds and jumped free. "Duck, Sophie," he screamed.

She dropped to the ground as a beam of energy whizzed past her.

Another blast from the melder missed Dex as he slammed the leader to the ground and knocked the weapon from his hand.