Sophie was in a park. Everyone else was laughing and having fun with their friends, ignoring her. I mean, why would they notice her? No-one noticed the 12-year-old smartypants unless they were taunting her, which made her feel more alone than ever. She looked over her shoulder to see a boy staring at her intently, as if she had some food on her mouth. She hurried to try and remove it, freezing when she noticed his eyes. They were this turquoise colour - what was it called again? Teal. He had teal eyes. Who had teal eyes?

He carried on staring in a way that made her want to tell him to buzz off, only she didn't because everyone would laugh at her and tease her. No, better to be ignored. Her breath caught when he smiled at her as she ungracefully tried to smile back. Unfortunately, their silent exchange didn't go unnoticed; one of the bulky boys gripped her shoulder venomously. She tried to wriggle out unsuccessfully, the pressure making her collar ache. Suddenly, another boy pushed her onto the muddy ground face-down, Sophie barely able to breathe without inhaling mud.                       "Nerdy's got a boyfriend," the older of the two stage-whispered to the other, obviously wanting her to hear.

Her breathing grew ragged, forcing her to roll her head onto the side, not that she could see any better. Her untidy hair blocked her view, the separate strands blowing into her eyes. She tried to get up, but someone pushed her back down, this time not letting go. She swore the boys were laughing at her, which wasn't illogical considering she'd just been pushed into the mud. Laughter echoed around her; it seemed the whole park was mocking her. That made her snap. She forced some energy into her arms, pushing herself upwards; the bullies predictably raced towards her as Sophie raised her hand up to protect herself.  The boys never reached her; it was as if they'd been pushed backwards.

It reminded Sophie of a force-push from one of the Star-Wars movies she'd watched with her family, but it seemed different. She felt like she'd been gutted, cramp settling into her stomach. Everyone backed away from her, their eyes filled with fear. Sophie looked over her shoulder, afraid that there would be FBI men coming for her, taking her off to be tested at a laboratory. Instead she saw the teal-eyed boy who'd started all this - he looked shocked, but not afraid. Their eyes locked, expressing a message that was obvious: 'RUN!'

Afterwards Fitz had taken her to the Lost Cities and told her she wasn't human. Grady and Edaline adopted her, and now she was fighting for her life. 

Sophie didn't know why that came to mind now - I mean, how similar was that to Flori being d... Sophie couldn't finish that sentence. Couldn't let it become real. Right now, it was a dream, that was all. Just a dream. Amy was still clutching her hand tightly as they both walked back. The sun was rising, the pink and orange light shining across the arena and leading them both back towards the others. Most of them were asleep, but Keefe was sitting on a log, waiting for their return.

Sophie sat down opposite him, copying his head-in-hands position, making him smile. Sophie laughed, not knowing why; just being in his presence made her feel really special. Amy slipped off, but Sophie didn't notice. She didn't notice anything but Keefe, his ice-blue eyes staring into her own, burning with a fire that she shared. Sophie slowly stood up and took a step forward, smiling when he mimicked her actions. 

The chemistry between them was like a spark, as hot and unpredictable as the pair. Anyone could see that, so when Sophie leaned further in, it wasn't surprising Keefe responded. They were leaning closer and closer. Their lips touched. All thoughts dropped away and Sophie felt like she was floating. The world was a cloud of joy, and Sophie and Keefe were on top of it, just endlessly floating. Until a voice brought them back down to earth with a jump. Fitz's eyes were flickering constantly between Sophie and Keefe, betrayal and anger hidden deep in its depths. It was a long time until he spoke, his voice cracking, but obviously angry - very angry. Sweat was trickling down his face and his fists were clenched by his side.

"I suppose it's over then," he said loudly and scornfully, looking as if he was about to swear.

"What's over?" Sophie timidly replied, hoping, no praying that he didn't mean what she thought he meant.

"Us." Sophie was about to retaliate, beg him to stay before he cut her off. "If you think I'm staying in the alliance then you're wrong. I'm out," he told her angrily, pointing away. Sophie could barely speak, couldn't convince herself he was doing this. How could he leave? It wasn't as if... Oh. Sophie knew what. Fitz had liked her. As in like like her. 

"Fine," Sophie spat at him. "Go if you want. I don't care." Fitz began to walk away, but then he turned, knife in his hand, poised to throw. He pulled his hand back into a sloppy throw, missing Sophie by inches.

"You really don't want to hurt Foster," Keefe said, sounding calmer than he felt. Inside he was panicking more than he had ever panicked. He was relying on Fitz's crush on Sophie.

Fitz hesitated for a second before he ran. He ran away from them faster and faster until there was no sign of him. Keefe cuddled Sophie as she sobbed into his chest.

"It's going to be OK," he whispered to her. Sophie clung to him for a second, before realising that they looked stupid. She let go reluctantly and stared at the sky and clung to Keefe like a lifeline. She almost didn't notice the announcement.

"This year, there can be up to 7 winners if they all permit."

AN

So... I finally got over my writers block. This chapter's moved on from Flori's death, and a bit more action is back in. Someone will die in the next chapter. I don't know who, but someone will. I'm sure you all expected that at some point, so not really a surprise.

This part is dedicated to @cookiesandsummer for voting on all the chapters. Thank you, again I appreciate every read I get. I keep thinking that this book is doing so well, but it only has 200 reads. But I do appreciate anyone reading up to this point.

So the ship results are in:

1. Sokeefe - 3

2. Sophiana - 2

3. Kam - 1

3. Ditz - 1

3. Sophitz - 1

3. Kiana - 1

3. Tiana - 1

3. Marex - 1

3. Lylie - 1

Sokeefe won, so yeah, I'm listening to that. Unfortunately, Sophiana can't be part due to Sokeefe, so sorry. Ships I'm doing:

Sokeefe

Tiana

Marex

Sorry, but those are the 3 I've decided on. Some might have drawn with others, but I've done them for what I like most if that's what's happened.  Fitz is left on his own, which not many of you will be sad about after this chapter. Darn you Fitz.

Anyway... Have a good day.