Becoming Magical [2]

C H A P T E R - 3 6

Sophie squinted as the shimmering city of Eternalia glittered into view. Meredith walked beside her. She had told Sophie that Kenric had called her for some reason. In the distance the jeweled buildings glinted in the sunshine, and members of the nobility trolled the streets in all their finery. But Sophie inhaled a blast of Fade Fuel and turned the other way, crossing the glassy river lined with Pures—special trees with fan-shaped leaves that filtered the air—and heading toward the row of twelve identical crystal castles with twisted, swirling spires.

The offices of the Councillors.

The low heels she'd worn cut into the sides of her toes, but Sophie was so relieved to be in clothes that didn't smell like curdleroots that she didn't mind dressing noble. She'd had to shower three times to get the stench out of her hair.

"You haven't explained what we're doing here," Sandor said, his hand poised over his weapon as he scanned the path ahead.

"Technically, you never said I had to tell you everything. Just that I would let you come."

Sandor scowled, but didn't argue.

She made her way to the farthest castle on the end, and the front door swung open before they reached the top step.

Councillor Terik stepped onto the shimmering landing, his face stretched with a wide smile as he said, "Always a pleasure to see you, Miss Foster and Miss Snow. And I forgot about the bodyguard."

"Is that going to be a problem?"

"Not at all. Though I must admit, it's been a long time since I've done an assignment with so little information upfront."

"Oh—I, um—"

"It's okay, Sophie. I understand that you don't know me well enough to open up to me like you did Alden—yet. I'm happy to earn that trust, for now." He held his pathfinder up to the sunlight and offered Sophie his hand. "You ready?" He gave a nod to Meredith who bowed once and left the three of them alone and headed off for Kenric's office.

She willed her palms not to be clammy as Sandor took her other hand and she asked, "Where are we going?"

Councillor Terik smiled. "You'll see."

-------------------------------------------------------

"Mysterium?" Sophie asked as they reappeared on the familiar narrow streets lined with identical buildings.

"What better place to keep our storage?"

Councillor Terik's tone implied no insult, but the snobby words still made Sophie cringe.

At least she wasn't the only one getting stares and whispers as they made their way down the street—though the reaction seemed to be verging on panic this time.

Why is a Councillor here?

Is there something they haven't told us?

Is it safe?

Councillor Terik frowned as the majority of the crowd ducked out of their way and rushed inside. Only a few stragglers remained, watching them with wary eyes.

"I hadn't realized the fear had spread this far," he mumbled. "I rarely walk among the masses like Bronte and Kenric do. This must be why they're pushing so hard for the alicorn's relocation."

Sophie watched a mother drag her two children into the nearest building. "Do you really think a sparkly flying horse is going to help?"

"You'd be surprised at how powerful hope can be, Sophie."