Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities #8) - Shannon Messenger Page 0,241

the whole “a creepy murderer says we think alike” thing and couldn’t decide if it was absurdly hilarious or utterly terrifying.

But then she realized the much more important detail: She finally had a bargaining chip.

“Untie me and I’ll tell you,” Sophie offered.

Lady Gisela pursed her lips. “Nice try. I’ve experienced the wonder of your inflicting already—not interested in a repeat.”

Sophie considered that. “What if I promise I won’t inflict? I mean it,” she added when Lady Gisela raised an eyebrow. “Think about it: What good is inflicting really going to do for me? Even if I take you out, I’d still have Glimmer to deal with, wouldn’t I? And how many dwarves are here—besides the one I’m really getting sick of, who’s pinning me right now? I’m guessing at least a couple—and more can pop out of the ground anytime. Not to mention I’m stuck in the middle of a city run by a king who’s already betrayed me, so…”

Her stomach twisted as she realized how horrifyingly true all of that was.

That had to win for The Worst Mess She’d Ever Been In, didn’t it?

But she’d worry about that later.

This was definitely a moment for one problem at a time.

And right then, she wanted that stupid dwarf off of her back—and she wanted to move her arms and legs and get up from that scratchy ground to check on Keefe up close.

And Lady Gisela looked like she still wasn’t ready to agree to that, so Sophie added, “Need I remind you that all of my friends are currently tied up and unconscious, and there’s no way I’m leaving them behind? And Keefe can’t even survive a light leap right now, and—”

“He can’t?” Lady Gisela interrupted.

Sophie shook her head. “You just filled his body with an insane amount of freaky darkness and weird light—do you really think his body can break down and not fade away?”

“Probably not…,” Lady Gisela murmured. And as the blood drained from her face, Sophie realized she’d just found her first real advantage.

Lady Gisela had a flaw in her exit strategy.

A pretty massive one.

It also confirmed that Lady Gisela had been planning on taking Keefe with her when she left—and there was no way Sophie was letting that happen.

All the more reason she needed to get back on her feet.

“So, see?” she said. “You don’t have to worry about my inflicting. And if you untie me and get this dwarf off of my back, I’ll tell you what I saw in Keefe’s head during your creepy experiment.”

“It wasn’t an experiment!” Lady Gisela corrected. “It was a transformation.”

“Yeah, well, I almost lost him during that transformation—several times. And when the shadowflux sank in…”

“Yes?” Lady Gisela prompted when Sophie didn’t finish.

Sophie shook her head again. “Untie me and I’ll tell you. Otherwise forget it.”

Lady Gisela huffed out a breath.

She glanced toward where the throne used to be, and Sophie followed her gaze, feeling her heart sink when she saw Keefe’s crumpled position on the floor.

His mom had left him there—limbs bent and twisted. Skin pale and sweaty.

And his eyes…

“What’s wrong?” Lady Gisela asked.

But Sophie couldn’t answer. Her brain was too busy replaying the last things Keefe had said to her before his mind went quiet.

Tired.

Sleep.

But he definitely wasn’t asleep.

His eyes were wide open, staring unblinkingly at nothing.

And even in the dim light, Sophie could see that he was breathing much too fast for someone sleeping.

“What’s wrong?” Lady Gisela demanded.

“I don’t know,” Sophie admitted, because this wasn’t just a bargaining chip anymore. “You have to get him to a physician—and you’re going to need my help, since I’m the only one who can teleport.”

Lady Gisela barked a sharp laugh. “Do I really look that foolish?”

“Do you actually want me to answer that?” Sophie snapped back. “Do you think I like this idea either? Do you think I want to leave my friends tied up and unconscious?”

Lady Gisela set her jaw. “I can’t let you teleport away with my son—”

“Look at your son!” Sophie interrupted. “Does he look okay to you?”

“He doesn’t,” a new voice agreed when Lady Gisela stayed silent.

It took Sophie a second to realize it had to be Glimmer. And Sophie had no idea how to feel about that. Especially when Glimmer added, “I think you should listen to her.”

“So do I,” Tam agreed, and Sophie wanted to smack herself for forgetting about him.

She wasn’t completely alone in this nightmare after all.

Tam proved how true that was when he told her, “Don’t worry, I can keep everyone here