Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6)

by Shannon Messenger

He didn’t promise her that everything would be okay. Or tell her she had no reason to worry. He didn’t even try to interrogate her about whatever she was planning. 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.”

He smiled, shaking his head. “I never thought I’d need a stuffed animal to sleep. But . . . I never knew I needed a lot of things before I met you.”

Somehow he’d moved closer, and Sophie’s throat went dry as he reached up and touched her braid again. Their eyes locked, and when his lips parted they seemed to curve with a different word than the one he eventually said.

WHAT

“Need an elixir for the pain? I’m sure we have some.” He grabbed her hand to stop her fussing. “I’m all good now, Foster. Unless you want to try kissing it to make it better.”

WHY DIDNT U AGREE SOPHIE

When she didn’t answer, he took both of her hands, and she couldn’t ignore the rush of warmth that tingled through her when she met his eyes. There was no teasing glint to be found. Just pure determination when he told her, “Because Team Foster-Keefe is going to win.”

“Exactly,” Tam said, flicking his bangs out of his silver-toned eyes. “I have enough problems already.”

WHY WAS THIS SO FUNNY TO ME JUST IMAGINE HIM FLICKING THE BANGS FHAHDHAHA

“Don’t let go,” Dex told her, tightening his grip. “I’m fine. It’s just . . . intense.” Keefe and Tam both snickered.

ejdhahhdhahahaha

“And for once I don’t mind.” Keefe scooted even closer, resting his head on Sophie’s shoulder. She shoved him away, taking the cape with her. “And now you can freeze.” “Worth it!” Keefe decided.

So she closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his.

SHE WHAT

IT WASN’T A movie-worthy kiss—that was for sure. Their noses bumped. Sophie’s lips felt too dry. And Dex started out with a startled squeak. Then for one truly horrifying moment, it almost felt like he wasn’t going to kiss her back. But he did kiss her back. And that made it . . . So much worse. He reached for her face, but his fingers somehow ended up tangled in her hair. And his knees crashed into hers, nearly knocking them both over. The whole thing couldn’t have lasted more than five seconds, but all Sophie could think was, Is it over yet? And then it was. And they stood there, staring at each other. And it was so, so awkward.

PRECIOUS BABIES

You’re my first kiss.” A slow smile spread across his lips, and he sat up a little taller. “You’re my first kiss too.”

BABIES BABIES LITERAL BABIES

She knew the funny, teasing Keefe. And she’d seen glimpses of the scared, angry boy he hid underneath. But beyond all of that was this new boy, broken into sharp, painful pieces. And the only thing holding him together was his determination to fix this mess they were caught up in.

Any other time Sophie might’ve noticed how Keefe’s lean build showed a rather impressive amount of muscle tone when he added the shirt to the pile draped over her arm.

i’m-

“The only loss will be yours!” Keefe sidestepped Sophie and charged into the ring, dagger raised, eyes wild, leaping for the ogre king.

i will think about this scene forever

“Ohhh, a lovers’ quarrel!” Ro clapped her hands. “Those are my favorite. Anyone have snacks? I feel like we should have snacks for this.”

SHES MY GIRL I LOVE HER AHDHAHAHA SHES HILARIOUS

“Foster’s not ready to face her feelings,” Keefe stage-whispered. “I’m ready to strangle you,” Sophie countered. “You should!” Ro said. “Or wait—am I supposed to tell you not to? I’m still not clear on how this bodyguard thing works. Like, if he’s annoying me, can I smack him around a bit as long as I don’t do permanent damage?” “Be my guest,” Sophie told her. “But not until he’s recovered,” Elwin added. “Then, by all means. Maybe you’ll finally knock some sense into him.” “I doubt it.” Keefe winked, but Sophie looked away.

“And by ‘piquatine,’ you mean . . . the stuff that melts off skin,” Sophie confirmed. “Coooooooooooooooool,” Ro breathed when Elwin nodded. “Can I watch?”

“Whoa, I did not see that coming!” Ro said. “Gotta tell ya, I’m liking this girl more and more.”

“Wow,” Ro said. “If I’d known you elves were this intense, I would’ve visited way sooner.”

He strode over to her, and she tried to back away but crashed into the wall. “I’m serious, Keefe.” “Oh, I know. But you’re forgetting something, Foster.” He was close enough to reach out and gently tuck her hair behind her ear as he leaned in to whisper, “I like a challenge.”

aaaaand here's the exact momet i lost my shit