Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4)(14)

“Impressive,” Mr. Forkle admitted when Della reappeared next to Biana and showed how her gown was still dry. “But the question is whether letting you join would be wise. Someone as high profile as yourself—”

“Could be an influential advocate,” Della finished for him. “When the Council finally comes to their senses, do you think the public will instantly trust you? The Vacker name may have had a few controversies lately, but it still holds incredible influence and power.”

Mr. Forkle studied Della. “I see you’ve already removed your registry pendant.”

“I would never put any of you at risk. Plus, I wanted to prove that I’m committed.”

“And yet you make the commitment too lightly.”

“Do I?” Della’s melodic voice hardened. “I’ve trusted my children—and three others who might as well be my family—to your care.”

“Your children’s situation is different,” Mr. Forkle argued. “We both know we can’t leave them to the Council’s caprice.”

“But I could protect them on my own.” Della vanished again, reappearing with a melder pressed to Mr. Forkle’s head. “Do not underestimate me, sir.”

“You’re not the only one with tricks up their sleeve,” Mr. Forkle warned her. He tapped his right temple, and Della’s arm dropped to her side.

“Are you a Mesmer?” Sophie asked, remembering Grady’s similar feats.

“My tricks are more limited,” Mr. Forkle admitted. “But the mind is more powerful than the body—never forget that.”

“I won’t,” Della said, vanishing the same instant Mr. Forkle collapsed.

She reappeared, balanced on his belly with one of her jeweled shoes pressed against his throat. He kicked and thrashed, but couldn’t throw her off.

“I believe you’ve proven your point, Ms. Vacker,” he wheezed.

She pressed her shoe down harder. “I told you to call me Della.”

“Whoa, remind me never to get on your mom’s bad side,” Keefe said.

“A valuable lesson for everyone,” Della agreed, jumping to the ground and offering Mr. Forkle a hand up. “Everyone believes I’m the fragile beauty hiding in my husband’s shadow. But I’m far more powerful than anyone imagines.”

“I can see that.” Mr. Forkle wiped mud off his long black tunic. “But I alone cannot approve your admittance into our organization. All I can promise is to bring the matter before our Collective.”

“Collective?” Sophie asked.

“Our ruling order,” Mr. Forkle clarified. “Five overseers, each with equally weighted votes.”

“So there are four other leaders we’ve never met?” Keefe asked.

“There are many members you haven’t met. But that is a good thing. The more people we have helping our cause, the more chance we have of making a difference.”

“All the more reason to let me join,” Della said.

“Perhaps,” Mr. Forkle agreed. “I’ll make the suggestion when I speak with the Collective. But first we have a problem. I did not plan for a stowaway, so we are short one lufterator.”

“I can tweak mine so two can share,” Dex said, bending his into a Z-shape. He made a few more tweaks before holding up the mouthpiece proudly. “Now it works on each end.”

“They’ll have to keep their faces very close together,” Mr. Forkle noted.

“Foster and I volunteer!” Keefe shouted.

“Uh, if anyone’s going to share with Sophie it should be me,” Dex argued.

“Wait, why do I have to share?” Sophie asked.

“Yeah, I nominate Dex and Keefe,” Fitz agreed.

“So do I,” Mr. Forkle decided. “Keefe, give your lufterator to Della.”

“Wait—what just happened?” Keefe asked.

Fitz, Biana, and Sophie cracked up.

Dex fumed as Mr. Forkle ordered him and Keefe to test the gadget to make sure the lufterator still worked. They had to stand so close their noses practically touched.

“Gross,” Keefe whined, spitting out his mouthpiece. “The air tastes like Dex breath.”

“Keefe breath’s just as nasty,” Dex snapped.

“But you can breathe?” Mr. Forkle clarified.

When they nodded, he ordered everyone into the water. They gasped as the cold soaked through their clothes—except Della, who strode through totally dry.

“Did you know your mom could do that?” Sophie asked Fitz.

“I did,” Biana jumped in. “And I will figure out how to do it.” She blinked out of sight, and when she reappeared her hair was dripping wet and stuck to her face. “It’s going to take some practice.”

“I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me Mom was with us,” Fitz grumbled.

“Now you know how I felt when you and Dad were busy planning all your secret visits to the Forbidden Cities.”

Sophie had never considered how much the search for her had affected the Vacker family. They’d all lived with secrets—and broken the law—for twelve years.

The river grew deeper, and they switched from wading to swimming. Sophie struggled to paddle while holding her backpack, until Fitz reached over and carried it for her.