Keeper of the Lost Cities: Elysian

Chapter 15

"Are you really sure you don't need help?" Flori called into the house.

"No, I'm fine," Elysian called back. Moments later, she ran outside where everyone was waiting and snapped her fingers.

A large picnic blanket appeared along with dishes, plates, and utensils. Elysian had created a large salad consisting of various fruits and vegetables with a white sauce. Additionally, there were small golden cakes in the shape of stars.

"Whoa..." Wylie was stunned at the sight. As were Tam, Linh, Biana, Woltzer, and the rest of the bodyguards.

"You can't possibly be surprised at my conjuring," Elysian said. "You've seen that at breakfast."

"No," Wylie said. "It just looks... so good."

Sophie had to admit that it did look amazing.

Everyone settled down in the shade of a tall elm tree and began eating.

It was particularly interesting to watch Blur and Wraith eat. The instant the food entered their mouths (or at least the area of their mouths), it either vanished or became blurred like Blur's form.

Rayni ate some of the salad and looked like she was going to reach for one of the star cakes, but stopped her hand at the last moment.

"What's wrong?" Sophie asked.

Rayni's hand lingered for another moment. Then, she quickly drew it back and acted like nothing was wrong. "Nothing."

Tam gave her a nudge, but she refused to look at him.

He nudged her again, and she rolled her eyes and fidgeted with her tunic uncomfortably. "Fine. I guess you all want the story. Once when I was with the Neverseen, Trix and I went to watch the stars in a meadow. When I saw the stars, it just made me think of him."

The reply was nothing like anyone expected, so there was an awkward silence.

Bo snatched one of the star cakes and devoured it in an instant. "The next time I see this Trix, I'm ending him."

Sophie swallowed.

"He's more powerful than you'd think," Rayni said seriously. "No, I mean it," she added when Bo scoffed. "And besides... People can be more complicated than you think. Good? Evil? Nobody is completely evil."

Sophie contemplated the words as she munched on her cake. "So you're saying... Trix isn't bad?"

Rayni shrugged. "I think after all of the drama and conflicts in this world have been solved, he could be willing to start over. Assuming we win."

Sophie hoped they would.

If they didn't...

"There are so many things wrong with the Lost Cities," she said aloud. "The matchmaking system, the cache system, and the prejudices with abilities."

"A lot of Talentless people have value in this world," Linh added. "There shouldn't be any scorn or discrimination towards them."

"As I said, the Neverseen aren't exactly unlike the Black Swan. They both want change," Rayni said thoughtfully. "They have similar objectives."

"Once we get back, let's start a movement," Fitz suggested. "Let's call it..."

"The Justice Seekers?" Biana suggested.

Everyone shrugged.

Sophie's thoughts strayed to Lady Gisela. "There are only two days, including today, in Nightfall. Where's Lady Gisela? Why hasn't she made her move yet?"