Flashback ( PDFDrive )

attention.”
With that she turned and shoved her way into the crowd of arguing
adults, crossing to the other side of the room. And only then did
Sophie notice that Keefe had subtly positioned himself on Luzia’s
other side at some point during their conversation.
She scooted closer to him. “I don’t suppose you managed to get a
reading on her while we were talking, did you?”
“I tried. But it’s kinda hard without physical contact,” Keefe
admitted. “I could tell she’s worried, though—really worried, if I felt it
in the air. But I couldn’t tell why. She could be nervous for Orem’s
safety at the festival. Or nervous that her name’s wrapped up in this.
Or it could have to do with whatever you guys were whispering about.
I couldn’t hear much, but it sounded like there’s some stuff you
haven’t shared with the group.”
“A little. I’ll catch you guys all up as soon as this craziness is over.”
She pointed to the ongoing argument, which seemed to have escalated
between Wraith and Councillor Alina—and looked especially bizarre
as Alina shouted at a floating, bodiless cloak. “And by the way,” she
added quietly, “there’s something you and I need to talk about too.”
“Oh?” His eyes darted to the necklace Fitz had given her, and
Sophie had to resist the urge to cover the sparkly teal heart with her
palm.
“Not that,” she whispered, wishing her face didn’t feel so warm.
“It’s something else. Just don’t leave when the others do, okay?”
Keefe nodded, his lips flicking with the slightest hint of a smirk.
“Don’t worry, Foster. I’m not going anywhere.”
• • •