Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4)(134)

“Sucker Punches are almost done,” Dex said. “Then I’ll make as many of these as I can.” He held up one of the cube-shaped gadgets he’d used in Exile.

“The cloaks are also finished,” Calla said, pointing to a stack of black robes. “I’m still assembling the rest of the outfits.”

“We’re wearing disguises?” Linh asked.

“As an added precaution,” Mr. Forkle agreed. “In case there are moments you and your brother cannot keep everyone hidden, it’s best for you to blend in.”

“They’re hiding us?” Alvar asked. “What are their abilities?”

“I’m a Hydrokinetic,” Linh said. “And my brother is a Shade.”

Alvar scratched the back of his head. “Huh. That definitely changes things up.”

“Why?” Keefe asked. “How do we know his little Shade tricks are even going to work? What if the ogres can see through them like Calla can see through the vanish?”

“They can’t,” Alvar said. “I used to sneak around the city all the time—but wait, gnomes can see us?” He disappeared and tried the how many fingers am I holding up test. “Whoa. Total mind blow.”

“I know how to get around it,” Biana said smugly.

“What’s the secret?” Alvar asked as she vanished to prove it.

“Like I’d tell you!” She shoved her brother as she reappeared. “Honestly, though, you kinda have to figure it out yourself. I’ve been trying to teach Mom, but she still can’t do it.”

“Can you see Tam?” Sophie asked Calla, getting back to the bigger worry.

Tam gathered the shadows and faded from sight. A faint outline remained, but Sophie had to really look for it.

“My eyes see nothing beyond yours,” Calla said. “The glints of life ignore him.”

Keefe snorted. “How does it feel to be rejected by dust?”

“Pretty good, actually,” Tam snapped back, “since it means I can survive this mission. Can you?”

“Yes,” Mr. Forkle jumped in, “with your help.” He eyed both boys. “Whatever differences the two of you have must be settled immediately. You’re a team now. It’s time to start acting like it.”

“That’d be a whole lot easier if he’d let me take a reading,” Tam said. He pointed to Alvar. “I’d like to do one on him, too.”

Keefe rolled his eyes. “Forget it, dude.”

“That’s twice now you’ve refused. Do you really have that much to hide?” Tam asked.

“Hey, I’m not up for it either, and I’m not hiding anything,” Alvar jumped in. “You want to know something about us—ask.”

“Okay,” Tam said, glaring at Alvar. “Why should I trust you?”

“Because I’m the only one here who knows the back paths of the city. It’d be easier if I knew exactly where we’re going, though. I can think of several places they might keep the cure.”

“Choose the one that would be the most obvious,” Mr. Forkle said.

“Mr. Forkle thinks this is a trap,” Sophie explained. She did her best to convince them it was the advantage Mr. Forkle believed, but they all looked a lot more fidgety, and she didn’t blame them.

“That . . . complicates things,” Alvar said, going back to studying the scroll he’d set aside. It turned out to be the map of Ravagog from Lady Gisela’s possessions. “Does anyone have any idea which side of Ravagog this secret tunnel is going to bring us to?”

“Side?” Linh asked.

“Ravagog is separated by the Eventide into two parts,” Fitz explained. “Half the city is underground, the other half is carved into the mountain.”

“It’s cute how he repeats things I’ve taught him like he’s an expert, isn’t it?” Alvar asked—and with that joke, Dex officially jumped on board Team Alvar. Even Keefe cracked a smile.

Tam still looked wary, and Sophie could see his shadow crawling closer to Alvar.

“Seriously, guy,” Alvar said, scooting his chair away. “Respect people’s boundaries. You don’t see the Telepaths poking around everybody’s heads, do you?”

“No, you do not,” Mr. Forkle agreed. “Though Shade readings are far less intrusive than telepathy.”

“Whatever,” Keefe said. “Can we go now? We’re losing time.”

“We’re going tonight?” Tam asked. “Wouldn’t a night raid be exactly what they’re expecting?”

“It’s still safer than broad daylight,” Keefe argued.

“Not for me,” Tam said. “I can control the shadows at any time. It’s safer to go when they’re not on alert.”

“I actually agree with Mr. Song,” Mr. Forkle said after a long minute. “That will also give you a few hours of rest before a very long day.”

Sophie could see the fury in Keefe’s eyes and slipped to his side, leaning in to whisper. “It’s only a few more hours. Please wait with us.”

“I could be back with the cure while the rest of you guys are still sleeping.”

“Or you could be dead,” Sophie reminded him. “Please don’t make me beg.”