SOPHIE'S POV

I was tossing and turning the whole night. 

I knew Tam was, too.

Everything was just so messed up.

I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes. Then I debated whether to go back to bed or stay up-not that either option would give me any sleep. 

I figured that maybe gazing out my window would help clear my mind, so I pulled the sheets back and hopped out of bed, slipping into my slippers and pulling on a robe. 

The sky was clear, free of clouds. The moon was all the way out. I checked the time on the clock.

Gosh. 1:13 AM. As far as I knew, I hadn't fell asleep until around midnight.

At that moment, I happened to glance down and see a figure dart across the field. 

Who was it-and what were they doing in our yard?

I knew it was dangerous, but there was a tree right by my window. I couldn't risk being heard my Grady and Edaline hearing me stomp down the stairs. 

I cranked open my window and softly shimmyed down the tree.

" Hey, you!" I yelled at the figure running from Silveny's pen.

The figure stopped, and raced towards me.

Okay-so they were running from me and now they were running TO me?

I tensed up, but as the figure drew nearer, I saw silver peek out from the hood.

" Tam?" I gasped. " What are you doing here this late?"  

Tam pulled his hood back and wrapped his arms around my waist.

" Sophie, I have bad news." He confessed.

My insides tightened. " Yeah?"

My boyfriend hung his head. " It's the council. When I got home, they bombarded me. Sophie, they threatened me. They threatened that they would FORCE me to go. They said if I didn't go, that they would hurt all my friends. I can't let them hurt you. They said they would hurt you first-and the most." He bit his lip while I gaped at him.

" Since when did the council become evil?" I exclaimed. " They can't do that! I'll stop them, Tam, I will."

" No, don't." Tam shook his head. " I've made up my mind. There would be no way you could save the lost cities- I've already thought that through. So there's only one option left-and thats sacrificing my life for you. Because if I don't, the Council will tell the Neverseen, and they'll come after you and the rest of our friends.  Please, no, Sophie nothing will change my mind now. At lease I think." He bit his lip again. 

How could Tam do this to me? I knew he was in a tough situation, be he hadn't thought it through. Everything was a blur around me. Tense and nervous, I slumped to the ground.