Sophie grew tired of the constant Neverseen attacks that were terrorizing the Elven population, along with her friends and family. After regaining contact with the Black Swan, Sophie and her friends begin to fight back. But after learning the heartb...
Right as they were going to pass through the vast double doors in the small ballroom, Ruy pivoted and turned to look at Sophie.
"Remember. You don't say anything, you don't act out of your impulsivity. This whole thing means a lot to my mom." Ruy said quickly and sternly.
"Wait. Your mom-" Sophie immediately had to shut up when Ruy opened the large doors and started to walk down the stairs.
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No one really paid that much attention to them, and Ruy told her to sit on the sidelines. Sophie was stressed and still, analyzing and glancing at everyone that was in a three-foot radius of her. Suddenly, Vespera walked through the same doors they walked through earlier in a magnificent plum dress. She had an emotionless expression on her face, and she stared over everyone as if squaring them up. Ruy leaned down and whispered in Sophie's ear, which sent a shiver down her spine.
"She is going to introduce you, you stay quiet and only keep her gaze, don't look anywhere else. After that, you dance with one or two people and then I bring you to another room where you stay for the rest of the night." Ruy explained. Sophie nodded and watched Vespera as she addressed the crowd of possible allies. Sophie had no choice but to stay still and shut up.
"Friends, we are here today to prove to you all that we are capable of your alliances. You all questioned our strength before today, but now you all will marvel at our ability." Vespera met Sophie's gaze, Vespera's eyes daring her to try and yell or scream out.
"We have captured the Moonlark! She has remained in our prison for the past three weeks!" Vespera announced, gesturing to Sophie. Sophie was paralyzed in her place as people shifted their gaze to her, awwing and Clapping for the Neverseen. Sophie shuffled her hands in her lap and tried not to lose control of her temper. If she loses control, she might reveal her Pancras form, which in turn would reveal her identity as Amalia. Ruy noticed Sophie shuffling uncomfortably and glanced at her, meeting her eyes, before quickly looking away. Sophie couldn't help but feel like that little girl that was brand new the Elven cities.
The little girl who was hopeless against the weight of a world she had no idea about. Suddenly, Sophie felt a swarm of emotions overwhelm her. Peaceful, calming feelings that relaxed her. Vespera looked away from Sophie and continued to address the crowd. Sophie glanced at her shoulder and saw that Ruy, with his eyes ahead, had secretly placed a finger on her arm and was sending her emotions to relax her, just like Keefe did. He quickly removed his finger and never met Sophie's eyes throughout the entire exchange. So he was an Empath too, so that must mean he was Vespera's son, he had her empath abilities, not just his psonipath abilities. Sophie watched as many greasy older gentlemen offered her a dance. She silently accepted and danced to the music, making sure their hands didn't wander where their hands weren't welcome. What was supposed to be Sophie's final dance turned out to be with a woman not much older than Sophie, who had clearly had too much to drink.
She suddenly twirled Sophie, and since they were dancing right next to the fireplace, Sophie felt a small flicker of heat against her ankle. She glanced down and saw a fire forming on her skirt. Ruy noticed immediately and brought her away from the party quickly, the light slowly spreading up Sophie's dress. Once they were away, Sophie started to panic, trying to snuff out the flame. Ruy grabbed some blanket from a cabinet and smothered the fire. The damage left a giant scorch hole revealing Sophie's left leg, but besides that, Sophie was fine.
