“
I would rather be punished for making the right decision than live with the guilt of making the wrong one for the rest of my life.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #1))
“
Team Foster-Keefe will always be cooler.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4))
“
Sparkles also make everything better. Well, except alicorn poop."
"I don't know. I think sparkly poop is way better than regular poop."
"That's because you've never fallen into a pile of it.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Everblaze (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #3))
“
Why else would you spend so much time helping Miss Fosters causes?”
“Uh... you’ve seen how cute she is, right?” Keefe asked.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
He was quiet for a few seconds, and Sophie thought he was going to ignore her. But then he leaned closer-close enough that she could feel his breath on her cheek. " I crack a lot of jokes ,Sophie , but ....that's just because it's easier, you know? It's how I deal. But that doesn't mean I don't care. I do, a lot.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #2))
“
Fitz's door was closed, so she knocked before going in.
"I told you, Mr. Snuggles's visiting hours are over," he called through the door.
"What about your visiting hours?" she asked.
"Oh! I thought you were Keefe."
Sophie opened the door. "I get that a lot.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4))
“
Keefe, I...'
There were no words.
She threw her arms around his shoulders, hugging him as tight as she could. Maybe if she never let go, she could hold the broken pieces together.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Lodestar (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #5))
“
Keefe’s smile looked determined as he stepped back and took Sophie’s hand. “I’m always with you, Foster. What ever you want, I’m in.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Sophie flung a pillow at his head.
Or, she tried to.
Throwing with her left arm was much harder than she expect, and...
She ended up nailing Magnate Leto in the face.
Keefe doubled over, clutching his sides and gasping between choking laughs: “THAT...WAS...THE...GREATEST...THING...IVE...EVER...SEEN!
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
You must think I'm a total idiot."
"Nah. I am starting to wonder if you're trying to beat Keefe's record for biggest interspeciesial episode- and if you are, I'm pretty sure you've won. The Great Gulon Incident was epic, but it didn't almost start a war.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Everblaze (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #3))
“
Typical Foster, always knocking guys off their feet.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
...I never knew I needed a lot of things before I met you. (Keefe Sencen to Sophie Foster)
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
Why do clothes never have enough pockets? There should always be lots of pockets... the more pockets the better!
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
You’re in this, like, Ultra Knight in Shining Armor mode-“
“Aw, you hear that, Ro? Foster thinks I’m her hero!
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
What?” Sophie asked, wiping under her lashes when she noticed Keefe staring. “Did I smudge it?”
“No, Foster. You look... perfect.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Yeah, what time should we arrive to catch the Great Fitzphie Ooze Fest?” Keefe asked.
“We’re not calling it that,” Sophie told him.
“Oh, I think we are. And don’t worry, Foster,” Keefe added, patting her on the head. “I’ll still love you when you’re oozy.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
It’s amazing he made it through without me bashing his pretty face.”
“Aw, did you hear that? Ro thinks I’m pretty! I mean- I usually go for more of a roguish handsome, but...” He tosses his hair and fluttered his eyelashes.
Sophie’s lips curled into a smile-without her permission.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Hindsight is a dangerous game.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4))
“
Relax, Foster,” Keefe said, squeezing her good hand and lacing their fingers together.
“You okay there?” he whispered.
She nodded, not quite ready to use her voice.
Not ready to let go of his hand, either.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
But before he left, he asked, “Still best friends, right?”
A soft smile curled her lips, and her heart pull back into its place.
“Forever.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
Sophie sighed. “You don’t have to do this.”
“If you’re talking about being adorable, I really can’t help myself.”
He said it with a wink and a smirk-which wasn’t playing fair. But she managed to stop her lips from curling into a smile.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Fitz yawned, and she patted Mr. Snuggles on the head as she stood to leave. He mumbled something, the words too sleepy to be coherent. But Sophie could've sworn he'd said, "Miss you.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4))
“
Sometimes I get sick of being strong.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
Embrace the sparkles, Foster,” Keefe told her. “They look good on you.”
Any other day she might’ve blushed.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
I wish I could give you a world where everything was perfect and shining and safe. I used to think that's what we had..." He shook his head. "I've realized now that our world doesn't define us. We define our world. And I hope you'll fill yours with as much light and happiness as you can."
"You realize how silly that sounds, right?"
"I do. But after everything that's happened, I think we could all use a bit more silly in our lives.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Everblaze (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #3))
“
Keefe grinned. “You’re adorable when you worry. I’ve told you that, right?”
Sophie gave him her best glare, but his smile only widened.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
He was quiet for a few seconds, and Sophie thought he was going to ignore her. But then he leaned closer-close enough that she could feel his breath on her cheek. " I crack a lot of jokes, Sophie, but ....that's just because it's easier, you know? It's how I deal. But that doesn't mean I don't care. I do, a lot.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #2))
“
The teasing tone faded from his voice, replaced with something that made Sophie very aware of how close they were standing.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Wanna bet?” Keefe countered.
“Bad idea,” Sophie told him. “You’ve won twice now- that means you’re pretty much guaranteed to lose. Especially since this bet relies on me again.”
He grinned. “Exactly, Foster. You’re always the safe bet.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Thank you,” she said as he walked her back to the Healing Center and she tried to make a note of the route so she could find the secret cafeteria again. “Tonight would’ve been... pretty rough if you hadn’t stopped by.”
“I know,” he told her. “For me too.”
“Awwwwwww, you guys are SO adorable,” Ro jumped in.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Ohhh, a lovers’ quarrel!” Ro clapped her hands. “Those are my favorite. Anyone have snacks? I feel like we should have snacks for this.”
“That’s not what this is,” Sophie told her. “We’re not...never mind.”
Ro grinned, flashing pointed teeth. “If you say so.”
“Fosters not ready to face her feelings,” Keefe stage-whispered.
“I’m ready to strangle you,” Sophie countered.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
Sophie smiled. “Yeah, I think you whined the entire way.”
“We all have our gifts. And speaking of whining—”
“No whining in the happy place! Seriously, Keefe, try to concentrate.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
I believe in the all-powerful Fitzphie! Actually, you know what? We should call this one Sophitz, since-let’s face it-Foster’s the real talent when it comes to this sort of thing.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Linh grinned. “I think I need to get Happy Shadow Thoughts embroidered on a tunic for you- with a bunch of smiley faces.”
“I definitely think I need to see him wear that,” Sophie agreed. “Especially if it’s pink.”
“Hot pink,” Linh decided. “With sparkly letters.”
“And it should say Angry echoes-beware! on the back!” Sophie added.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
He reached up to wipe a crumb off her lips, and she forgot how to breath for a second— “I’m still glad I was there. If I hadn’t been...”
He didn’t finish. But he didn’t need to.
And she was glad he’d been there too.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Sophie froze.
“My name’s Fitz,” he added, stepping closer still.
Fitz? What kind of name was Fitz?
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #1))
“
Hang on – what are you wearing?” Keefe asked as she threw back her covers, revealing the sparkly slogans on her tunic. “Is that a Bangs Boy reference? Because you know I haven’t let him into the Foster Fan Club, right?”
Sophie rolled her eyes. “It’s an inside joke – and Linh made this for me.”
”Yeah, well, it still breaks the fan club rules. As penance, I’m giving you a tunic that says, ‘Empaths Give Me All the Feels,” and I expect to see you wear it twice as much as Bang Boys.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
I was already planning to have us start with telekinesis, since that’s what got Foster all swoons about my skills in the first place.”
“I didn’t get swoons,” Sophie felt the need to point out.
“Keep telling yourself that, Foster. Keeeeeeeeeep telling yourself that.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Keefe smirked. “If I’m right, you have to call me Lord Hunkyhair from now on.”
Sophie shook her head. “You guys are terrible.”
“That’s why you love us!” Keefe draped his arm around her shoulders.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Okay,” she agreed. If he refused to be serious, then so would she. “Fine, Im an elf. Am I suppose to help Frodo destroy the ring and save Middle-Earth? Or do I have to make toys in the North Pole?
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #1))
“
Wow, it's really crowded in here. And really . . . furry.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4))
“
And it all started with a field trip, a giant dinosaur model, and an especially noticeable pair of teal eyes.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
Tam's shadow fell over hers, and he shadow-whispered, "I'm trusting you. I don't care about me, but if something happens to Linh..."
'I promise, we're only trying to help,' Sophie transmitted.
Keefe let out a sigh that sounded more like a groan. "And I thought secret Telepath conversations were the worst. Just so we're clear," he told Tam. "I'M the president of the Foster fan club. And we're closed to new members."
Tam's cheeks flushed. "Uh...not sure what that's about but...no worries there--no offense!" he told Sophie.
She noticed he stole a quick glance at Biana after he said it.
Sophie couldn't decide if she should feel relieved or insulted.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4))
“
Take care of yourself, okay?” Sophie whispered.
Her sister nodded. “And you keep . . . saving the world.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
She wasn’t the Black Swan’s puppet anymore.
She was broken.
All she had left was trust.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #2))
“
All he said was, “I believe in you, Sophie Foster,” as he raised his pathfinder up to the silvery glow of the moonlight.
And Sandor added, “We all do.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
You can’t change who you are! Or who your family is,” Tam told her. “Believe me—if I could! I would. All you can do is make sure you’re living by what you believe in.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
They weren’t friends. And they weren’t actually sisters. They were just two different girls from two different worlds.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
Sophie Foster was going home.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #1))
“
Well, if you like honestly,” Ro said, following him over to Keefe, “it stinks here, too. Everything smells like...”
“Fresh air?” Sophie guessed.
“Awww, my girl keeps getting snarkier and snarkier,” Keefe said proudly.
“I’m not your girl,” Sophie snapped back. “And don’t think I’m done being mad at you!
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
Wait for the morning, when you can regroup with your friends and the seven of you can start scheming together.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
Sophie smiled. “We all have our things.”
“Well, yours is weird,” Amy told her.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
She was a girl with strange abilities and a different way of looking at the world. What she decided to do with these things was up to her.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
But before he leaped away he asked, “Still best friends, right?”
A soft smile curled her lips, and her heart pulled back into place. “Forever.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
Fitz? What kind of name was Fitz?
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #1))
“
And keep in mind,' Oralie added, finally turning her azure eyes toward Sophie, ' true trust does not require absolute transparency. There is incredible power in accepting that there are some things you cannot know--and being willing to maintain your commitment to that person despite the secrets.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #8))
“
He's not all that bad.
No one is.
That's what makes villains so scary.
They aren't as different from us as we want them to be.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4))
“
We have too many villains,” Sophie said through a sigh.
Keefe snorted. “You’re not wrong.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
He turned away and his hands grabbed something. A tiny purple Albertosaurus, and the note she’d given him with it. If she could’ve felt her chest, her heart would’ve skipped a beat.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #1))
“
...if you lose, you’ll have to wear a metal diaper to school and call me Lord Hunkyhair from now on.”
“Uh... yeah, no,” Fitz said as Biana asked, “Hunkyhair?”
“Lord Hunkyhair,” Keefe corrected. “What? It’s accurate.” He tossed his head like he was in a shampoo commercial. “I think we need to make it a thing either way- don’t you, Foster?”
“I think you’re ridiculous,” Sophie told him.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
The more she thought about it, the more she realised both sides had lost an important alternate perspective. And maybe that was what she'd been created for.
A girl from both worlds, who'd seen the follies and triumphs of each side.
And her job was to shake things up and do something new.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4))
“
Keefe was going to slay her over this
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
You okay?” Keefe asked, flicking a strand of her blonde hair to get her attention. “And before you answer, remember: You’re talking to an Empath. Plus, you’ve already pulled put two eyelashes since we got here, and I can tell you’re dying to go for a third.”
She was.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Well, if you like honesty," Ro said, following him over to Keefe, "it stinks here, too. Everything smells like . . . "
"Fresh air?" Sophie guessed.
"Awww, my girl keeps getting snarkier and snarkier," Keefe said proudly.
"I'm not your girl," Sophie snapped back. "And don't think I'm done being mad at you!"
"Ohhh, a lovers' quarrel!" Ro clapped her hands. "Those are my favorite. Anyone have snacks? I feel like we should have snacks for this."
"That's not what this is," Sophie told her. "We're not . . .
never mind."
Ro grinned, flashing pointed teeth. "If you say so."
"Foster's not ready to face her feelings," Keefe stage-whispered.
"I'm ready to strangle you," Sophie countered.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
We wanted her to see that the shadows that scared her could be beautiful and powerful when we learn how to take control of them,” Edaline added.
Taking control.
It sounded so simple.
And so impossible.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
And to be glad to wake up and find people in her room, instead of dancing anthropomorphic animals.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
She was amazed Silveny had even let them get close enough to attach the reins. Clearly she needed to teach the glittering horse how to recognize pure evil.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #2))
“
Vika snatched Sophie’s wrist with a mud-streaked hand. “You wretched girl! Call her down right now.”
“Why do you need my help? Aren’t you the expert?”
Keefe snickered. “Ooh, good one, Foster!
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #2))
“
We could dig into some of the small stuff we hold back.”
“Like what?”
He started his hands, twisting the Cognate rings round and round before he transmitted, like all the stuff you tell Keefe and don’t tell me.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
I’ll go out of my to make their job impossible.”
“No, you won’t,” Sandor told her. “Youre much too smart to resort to such reckless behavior.”
Sophie’s eyebrows shot up. “You sure about that? You’ve seen how much time I spend with Keefe.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
The drug lulled her toward a dreamless oblivion, but she fought back—clinging to the one memory that could shine a tiny spot of light in the thick, inky haze. A pair of beautiful aquamarine eyes.
Fitz’s eyes. Her first friend in her new life. Her first friend ever.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #1))
“
Hindsight is a dangerous game
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Everblaze (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #3))
“
Keefe marched through the doors to the Healing Center and declared, “Wow, it’s like walking into a cloud of sulk in here.”
He fanned the air away from his face as he made his way over. “I mean, I figured you be feeling a little lost about your Cognate buddy, but trust me: Fitzy isn’t worth this much angst.”
”I’m not pouting about Fitz, “Sophie informed him.
“Ah, so you admit you are pouting? “He countered, plopping on to the side of her cot with enough oomph to make the mattress bounce.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
She steeled herself for a serious shock of cold- but the reality was a thousand times more miserable.
“Aw, those little shrieking sounds you’re making are super adorable,” Keefe told her. “Ready to punch me yet?”
“S-splashing y-you s-sounds b-better,” she said through chattering teeth.
“I suppose. But we both know I’ll splash you back- and then you’ll retaliate, because you may look all sweet and innocent, but you have a feisty streak. And then it’ll be an ice-water war, and Elwin will ban me from the Healing Center and you’ll be lost without my visits, and Id rather not make you suffer like that.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
[Keefe’s] smile softened into something that made Sophie’s cheeks warm. And her heart seem to trip over itself as he leaned close and carefully pinned Krakie to the back of her hand, right in the center.
His palm rested over her is when he finished, and she got the sense that there was something he wasn’t saying. But then his eyes skipped past her, landing on Fitz for a beat before he shifted his focus.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Sophie stomach growled, and she gave herself three seconds to imagine it-to picture what it would be like to creep through the shimmering halls when they were empty and quiet and dark and see all the hidden places Keefe had discovered.
But...
“Don’t you go shaking that adorable little head at me, Foster,” Keefe said before she could get a word out.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Are you kidding?” Sophie and Fitz asked, once again in perfect unison.
Elwin chuckled. “I’m sure if Keefe were here, he’d have a lot to say about how in sync you two are getting.”
“Just more proof that Fitzphie’s the best,” Fitz told him, with a wink that shouldn’t have made Sophie’s heart flutter. But hearts could be foolish things.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Do you have any fathomlethes around here?”
“I hope you’re not talking about the weird river-pearl thing you took in Alluveterre that made you cover your walls in scraps of paper like a serial killer,” Sophie told him.
“Oh I am- I know you’re not going to like it, Foster. But I remembered a ton of stuff last time. So how about I promise to let you help me sort through the notes again? Remember that? Such a classic Keephie moment!
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
I never knew I needed a lot of things until I met you.
”
”
Shannon Messenger
“
We wanted her to see that the shadows that scared her could be beau,titular and powerful when we learn how to control them,” Edaline added.
Taking control.
It sounded so simple.
And so impossible.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
I’d heard your powers were legendary
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
I don’t want another bodyguard. I want you.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Keefe closed the distance between them.
And then... everything was new.
The soft press of his lips against hers.
The way their breath seemed to fall perfectly into sync as her heart and brain screamed FINALLY!
Some tiny part of her had always wondered if kissing could really be as great as everyone claimed.
But kissing Keefe was So. Much. Better.
He was the one to finally pull away, leaning back to study her in the shimmering light. "You're okay, right? No regrets?"
She grinned. "Absolutely none."
His relieved smile was the sweetest thing she'd ever seen- but it faded a little as he leaned his forehead against hers. "I don't want to mess this up," he whispered. "Please don't let me mess this up."
"I won't," she promised, tilting her chin up to steal another quick kiss.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Stellarlune (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #9))
“
And you can keep the pin.”
“Uh-uh, it’s yours.”
“But you want it.”
“And I want you to have it! So how about we call him ours? Will name Krakie, and he can live right here.” He pointed to the bandage covering her right hand. “That way Krakie can protect you from the echo – not that you need protection. He’ll just be your backup.” 246
His smile softened into something that made Sophie’s cheeks warm. And her heart seem to trip over itself as he leaned close and carefully pinned Krakie to the back of her hand, right in the center.
His palm rested over her is when he finished, and she got the sense that there was something he wasn’t saying. But then his eyes skipped past her, landing on Fitz for a beat before he shifted his focus.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
His shadow slipped over hers again, and she could almost feel his eyes studying her. "You're different," his voice whispered. "I can't decide if that's a good thing."
'It is', she transmitted, surprised at how much she wanted him to believe her.
He walked away without another word.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4))
“
I guess that makes sense. And by the way—your friends?” Amy glanced over her shoulder to take another peek at them. “Are they in a contest to see who can be the most gorgeous or something?”
Sophie had to laugh. “They might be.”
“It’s ridiculous,” Amy told her. “Especially Fitz’s family. I mean, seriously, who looks like that?”
“Only the Vackers,” Sophie assured her.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
Three hands. No fourth for her. It was how it should be. How it would have to be. And Sophie could live with that. She could let them go again, to spare them that pain.
But it would still hurt.
It would always hurt.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
I know this isn’t going to make any of it better,” Sophie said! Holding her sister tighter. “But I’ve done this before. The part where it all feels hopeless, and like it’s never going to come together. And you know what? Somehow, it does. It’s never perfect. But it usually better than what I’ve been fearing.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
She’d spent forever trying to find him something personal, settling on a miniature Albertosaurus covered in deep violet feathers. She knew it was silly, but it reminded her of the day they met, and in the card she thanked him for showing her what dinosaurs really looked like.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #1))
“
And you can keep the pin.”
“Uh-uh, it’s yours.”
“But you want it.”
“And I want you to have it! So how about we call him ours? Will name Krakie, and he can live right here.” Keefe pointed to the bandage covering her right hand. “That way Krakie can protect you from the echo – not that you need protection. He’ll just be your backup.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
Alden turned to Grady. “I’m sorry to be late. I’d hoped to get here before the Hekses arrived. But Fitz, Keefe, and Biana insisted on seeing the long-lost alicorn, and someone needed time to fix their hair.”
“Hey, a guy’s gotta look his best for the ladies.” Keefe patted the back of his head. “Right, Foster?”
Sophie ignored him—though she could feel her cheeks blushing.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #2))
“
I’m sure Keefe won’t mind letting you join our skill lessons, though,” she suggested.
Fits snorted. “Great.”
“Aw, it’s not so bad. I know, it sounds like it’d be a disaster. But... the lessons have actually been pretty awesome. I think I might’ve had a meltdown without them- but don’t ever yell him I said that, okay. He’ll start wearing tunics that say Fosters Hero or something.”
“Sounds about right,” Fitz mumbled.
His eyes drifted to her hands and she realized she was fidgeting with the pins Keefe had given her.
“Well... I’m glad he’s been there for you,” he said quietly.
“Me too.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
What I was still out of it, I heard your voice in my head- I think it’s why I woke up.”
Her face tried its best to burst into flames. “Sorry, I-“
“Don’t be,” he interrupted. “I’m glad I’m awake.”
“So am I,” she admitted. “But... you have to be super careful, okay?”
“I will if you will,” he made her promise.
He waited for her to meet his eyes, and when she did, he gave her the sweetest smile she’d ever seen.
“By the way,” he murmured, pressing Mr. Snuggles against his heart. “I missed you too.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
She’d been kidnapped right after—and then her abilities had broken, and Alden’s sanity collapsed, and Silveny was attacked, and Kenric was murdered, and the Council turned against her, and she was banished along with all of her friends, and the gnomish plague was unleashed, and Keefe ran off, and Lumenaria fell, and so many other devastating and distracting things had happened that Sophie had never stopped to wonder . . .
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6))
“
The fact that they're shaped like tiny elves!" Keefe said, clapping his hands before he pointed to the label. "Hang on-THEY CALL THEM 'ELF WITCHES'?"
"They do, Keefe. They do. And that's not even the best part."
"AHHHHHH LOOK AT THEIR LITTLE FACES!" Keefe shouted as he peeled back the plastic cover. "THIS IS THE GREATEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN---EVER!"
"Greater than when you discovered Fitz slept with Mr. Snuggles?" Sophie had to ask.
"Um. YEAH. They have names, Foster. NAMES!" He held up one of the cookies and pointed to the name tag the little elf was holding. "This one's Ernie! AHHHH AND THIS ONE IS FAST EDDIE!" he said, snatching a different cookie. "And this one is Bickets! And Elwood! I don't know who named these guys, but whoever they are, they're a genius, I tell you--a GENIUS.
- Legacy, chapter 37, page 596-97 hardcover.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #8))
“
Keefe?' Amy repeated, her lips curling into a grin. 'He's the supercute blonde guy you picked up cookies for, right? The one who keeps staring at you all intense when I met him, like you were the only person that mattered to him in the entire universe?'
Someone coughed near the doorway.
It was probably Grady, maybe Edaline too, but Sophie decided she would rather not know who was eavesdropping.
'He doesn't stare at me like that,' she said, hoping her cheeks weren't blushing too badly.
It didn't help that Ro kept cackling beside her.
...
'I swear, you have no idea how lucky you are, getting to be around so many gorgeous boys all the time. I don't know how you haven't dated any of them--or have you?'
'She tried with Fitzy,' Ro answered for her. 'But then she realized he was too boring, so they broke up.'
'That's not what happened!' Sophie argued--over lots more coughing from the doorway. 'We didn't really date. We just sort of... liked each other... openly. But then it got super complicated, so we decided to focus on being friends.
...
Why are we talking about this?' Sophie asked
...
'Because it's fun watching you get all red and fidgety!' Amy told her.
'Plus, there's a chance our boy is somewhere nearby, listening to this conversation,' Ro added before she raised her voice to a shout. 'Hear that, Hunkyhair? Get your overdramatic butt back here! Your girl is single--and the great Foster Oblivion is over! This is what you've been waiting for!'
'Hunkyhair?' Amy asked, raising one eyebrow as Sophie contemplated smothering herself with her blankets. 'Great Foster Oblivion?'
'Never mind,' Sophie mumbled, sinking deeper into her blankets.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Stellarlune (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #9))
“
She studied the relaxed lines of his features. The soft flutter of his long, dark eyelashes. The adorable way his arms cradled Mrs. Snuggles against his bandaged chest.
I don’t know what to do.
She hadn’t meant to transmit the words, but... it felt good to say them. And it was like like he could hear her. He hadn’t even flinched. His breathing hadn’t changed rhythm.
So she told him, I really wish you were awake.
He let out a snuffly snore, which gave her the courage to ask, What if I just want you to wake up because I’m tired of fighting the echoes all by myself?
That wasn’t the right question, though.
What if I want you to wake up because I miss you?
She’d been trying to stay busy, trying not to look at the beautiful boy sleeping over in the corner.
She hated having him so close and still so far away.
And when she turned to Fitz, his eyes were more than fluttering.
One blink.
Two.
Three.
And then... they stayed open.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
I’m sure Keefe won’t mind letting you join our skill lessons, though,” she suggested.
Fits snorted. “Great.”
“Aw, it’s not so bad. I know, it sounds like it’d be a disaster. But... the lessons have actually been pretty awesome. I think I might’ve had a meltdown without them- but don’t ever tell him I said that, okay. He’ll start wearing tunics that say Fosters Hero or something.”
“Sounds about right,” Fitz mumbled.
His eyes drifted to her hands and she realized she was fidgeting with the pins Keefe had given her.
“Well... I’m glad he’s been there for you,” he said quietly.
“Me too..
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #7))
“
The question is”—his eyes locked with hers—“when are you taking me to go get some of these magical E.L. Fudge thingies? Because they’re officially a need, Foster. I neeeeeeeeeeeed tiny elf-shaped cookies in my life. I can’t believe you’ve never brought me any before! In fact, I kinda feel like that’s a betrayal of our friendship!” The question was so unexpected that Sophie couldn’t stop the loud snort-laugh from bursting out, which of course was followed by a fit of embarrassed giggles. “You’re not laughing your way out of this one either, Miss F!” Keefe warned her. “I expect another cookie delivery ASAP
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #8))
“
Hey,” Fitz said, leaning closer. “You trust me, don’t you?” Sophie’s traitorous heart still fluttered, despite her current annoyance. She did trust Fitz. Probably more than anyone. But having him keep secrets from her was seriously annoying. She was tempted to use her telepathy to steal the information straight from his head. But she’d broken that rule enough times to know the consequences definitely weren’t worth it. “What is with these clothes?” Biana interrupted, appearing out of thin air next to Keefe. Biana was a Vanisher, like her mother, though she was still getting used to the ability. Only one of her legs reappeared, and she had to hop up and down to get the other to show up. She wore a sweatshirt three sizes too big and faded, baggy jeans. “At least I get to wear my shoes,” she said, hitching up her pants to reveal purple flats with diamond-studded toes. “But why do we only have boy stuff?” “Because I’m a boy,” Fitz reminded her. “Besides, this isn’t a fashion contest.” “And if it was, I’d totally win. Right, Foster?” Keefe asked. Sophie actually would’ve given the prize to Fitz—his blue scarf worked perfectly with his dark hair and teal eyes. And his fitted gray coat made him look taller, with broader shoulders and— “Oh please.” Keefe shoved his way between them. “Fitz’s human clothes are a huge snoozefest. Check out what Dex and I found in Alvar’s closet!” They both unzipped their hoodies, revealing T-shirts with logos underneath. “I have no idea what this means, but it’s crazy awesome, right?” Keefe asked, pointing to the black and yellow oval on his shirt. “It’s from Batman,” Sophie said—then regretted the words. Of course Keefe demanded she explain the awesomeness of the Dark Knight. “I’m wearing this shirt forever, guys,” he decided. “Also, I want a Batmobile! Dex, can you make that happen?” Sophie wouldn’t have been surprised if Dex actually could build one. As a Technopath, he worked miracles with technology. He’d made all kinds of cool gadgets for Sophie, including the lopsided ring she wore—a special panic switch that had saved her life during her fight with one of her kidnappers. “What’s my shirt from?” Dex asked, pointing to the logo with interlocking yellow W’s. Sophie didn’t have the heart to tell him it was the symbol for Wonder Woman.
”
”
Shannon Messenger (Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4))