Sophie’s hand cramped as she tried one last time to reach Keefe. “Please? Keefe, we need you.” She took a deep breath. “I need you.” She sighed and stood up. Bad idea. She immediately slumped back down to her seat, calling for Elwin. “You don’t look so good…” Elwin was carrying a tray of vials for Keefe. “I haven’t slept in a week, how do you think I would look?” Sophie snapped, letting her anger get the best of her. Elwin started to leave the room but Sophie needed something first, “Elwin?” “Yes?” He seemed nervous, like she was going to lash out again. “Can I…” she gulped, “Can I have a sedative?” Ro sniffled teasingly, “Our girl’s losing her touch!” Elwin was startled and looked upon her in concern, “Yeah Sophie, just give me a sec.” Sophie let the cool liquid slip down her scratchy throat and one last tear fell from her scrunched eyelids as the world rushed away, leaving her in darkness. Sophie had had all sorts of nightmares before but this one was different. Cold shivers rushed down her spin as the circular room spun. Everyone she loved was behind a different door, and she could only take one key. Below her, the monster had melted and was seeping up her foot and into her legs. The darkness spread and spread up her hips, her chest, finally settling in her heart. The monster seemed to be pulling the strings, making her angry. Sad. Scared. Angry. Mad. Terrified. Lost. The doors ran away from her, just out of her reach. She heard everyone’s screams, calling for her help. Grady yelled for her. Amy screamed at her. Gisela laughed at her from somewhere unknown, speaking words that Sophie was sure would haunt her forever. “Just go Sophie. You can never be good enough. Do the right thing and give up. Don’t pretend you’re a hero. You can never be the moonlark they need. Go home before you mess things up even more.” She laughed and laughed and the monster grew and grew until Sophie was shaking. The monster started to drown her in the hatred and fear. Sophie was taking her last breath when… A cool breeze fluttered through her mind, drawing her back to consciousness. It wanted her to come back. But in the darkness, Sophie didn’t have to deal with the Neverseen, or *** or parents, regents, or Gisela, or boys. Boys. Keefe? The breeze called for her, beckoning her to the light. She was almost there when the monster grabbed at her, dragging her down. But the wind was strong. It curled around Sophie, cradling her like a barrier, laughing at the pathetic attempts the darkness made to get to her. She was okay. She was safe. For now. Her heavy eyelids slowly opened, and an icey blue hit her unadjusted eyes. The ice melted into a face, one that she knew. The face had striking eyes. Eyes she was worried she would never see again. “Keefe?” She croaked, blinking at the intense light. “Yeah Foster.” She pulled him in for a hug, feeling the hot tears warm her freezing face. “Someone missed me!” Sophie couldn’t decide if she wanted to hug, yell, or punch Keefe so she just asked, “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I mean I think so…” Keefe’s normal humor seemed to be lost and he obviously noticed, making an effort to joke. “Guess they should name this the Foster-Keefe Center. I think you’re rubbing off on me.” Ro chuckled in the corner, stepping into the light. “Now, about those punishments Lord Hunkyhair.” “I just woke up, give me a break!” Keefe protested. The sitting up must have been too much because he clutched his stomach and sat back down. Elwin came rushing in with bottles of elixirs, “Actually he’s right! You need all the rest you can get. Both of you.” He added when he saw Sophie’s disheveled hair and flushed cheeks. “No!” Sophie whined. “Please, there’s a lot we need to talk about.” “Fine, but don’t exert yourself.” He scoffed. “Who am I kidding? I’m talking to Sophie Foster!” He shuffled out of the room, leaving Sophie and Keefe alone. Well… almost alone. “Well if you’re up for romantic snuggle time, you’re up for some lecturing!” Ro yelled, reminding them of her presence. Sophie tried to hide her blush but she was pretty sure Keefe was as red as her. Ro started walking towards Keefe with a suspicious container in her hand but apparently stopped. Her eyes darted around, panic swelling in the center. “Ro…” Sophie questioned. “What’s wrong?” “I- can’t - move.” She huffed out, obviously struggling. “What?” Keefe screeched, pain in his voice. “Just. Move.” Ro seemed released from her prison and stumbled from the balance change. “What in the world?” Ro screeched, terror infecting her usually snarky voice. Sophie recognized something about the whole event, she just couldn’t put her finger on it. “I’m sorry.” Keefe said, his words as surprisingly bland as his tone. Ro turned to him with an accusation, “You did that?” “I don’t know!” Keefe retorted. “How could you not know!” As their argument spireled, so did Sophie’s thought. This reminded her of something if only she could remember what. “I just stopped walking AGAINST MY WILL and you don’t know?” Ro snarled, her hand instinctively flying to her blade. “Guys.” Sophie peeped. “It’s not my fault! I don’t think…” Keefe had lost his usual charm and was left with confusion as he jumped up from the bed. “Guys!” “Well it’s not MY fault. I suggest you come up with some answers real quick Lord Chunkyhair.” “GUYS!” “What?” Ro and Keefe impatiently tapped their foots in sync. Sophie’s screams seemed to have finally reached their thickheads. “I think I know what’s happening.” “Well?” They both waited. “We need to talk to Grady.”