The Gossamer Network's halls were quieter than usual when Julia walked in that morning. A strange tension hummed in the air, like the building itself knew something was coming. She adjusted the strap of her bag and stepped into the main training corridor, scanning for familiar faces. After weeks of sneaking out, covert training, and emotional whiplash, things were finally feeling… organized.
Except they weren't. Not when a dangerous infiltrator like Lysandra was hiding within the Psychic Academy.
I found Julian already inside the Elders' chamber, seated near his father, straight-backed and unreadable. The round table was surrounded by the Psychic Elders—my parents among them—each of them scanning documents and surveillance reports as they discussed intel gathered by various Gossamer agents. The moment I stepped in, Elder Mora, a severe woman with striking white eyes and a voice like flint, turned to me.
"Miss Summers," Mora began, gesturing for me to take a seat beside Julian. "We've confirmed Lysandra's infiltration of the Academy. You and Julian were right."
The words hung in the air, heavy with consequence.
I glanced toward my parents. My mother gave her a subtle nod. My father seemed less composed, his expression torn between fatherly concern and professional gravity.
"What exactly is she after?" I asked, folding my arms.
"She's trying to locate Echoes," Julian answered coolly. "Specifically—ones like you."
I didn't flinch, but my pulse spiked. I hadn't told my parents about being an Echo yet. That knowledge was still too raw, too much.
"Why now?" Dad asked. "The Academy's been secure for years."
"Because the veil's lifting," Elder Mora said. "More young psychics are manifesting power too early. We've been too visible, too bold. The Gossamer Network isn't in the shadows like it used to be. And someone's feeding Lysandra information."
"So there's a mole," Julian muttered.
The room fell silent.
I cleared my throat. "So, what's the plan?"
Mora's eyes narrowed. "We set a trap."
⸻
After the meeting, I slipped away with Julian trailing behind her. He stopped at a junction and gave me an amused glance. "You going to tell them?"
"Tell who what?" I asked, half-playing dumb.
"Your friends. About us."
I rolled my eyes, but the heat creeping up my neck betrayed me.
I needed to talk to Kim and Jake. I missed them. Missed the easy banter, the way they made everything feel a little more normal—even when my life was anything but.
⸻
Later that day, I met them at the smoothie stand near our favorite arcade. The sun was high and bright, and the summer air had that electric buzz to it.
"Finally!" Kim threw her arms around me. "We thought you vanished into some shadowy psychic dimension."
"Close," I grinned. "Try a secret underground psychic organization with a color-coded elevator and espresso machine that probably runs on energy fields."
"Jealous," Jake said, sipping his iced matcha.
"I have so much to tell you," I said. "Let's go to the rooftop."
We made our way up to the roof of Jake's apartment building, a favorite hangout spot since middle school. I leaned on the railing, looking out at the city before turning to them.
"So, I've been training nonstop," I began. "At the Gossamer Network's headquarters as you guys already know. I've learned more in three weeks than in my entire life. And I visited Snow Valley."
"Wait, the Snow Valley?" Jake said. "I heard from Alvin. That's not a vacation resort. That's like, psychic Area 51."
I nodded. "Also… I found out my parents are part of the Elders."
Jake choked on his drink. "What? Your mom and dad? The same people who wear matching neon socks and watch 'Bake-Off Battles'?"
I nodded, dead serious. "Apparently, they've been expert psychics this whole time. They just never told me."
Kim blinked. "Okay, that's major. But, okay, wait—what about Julian?"
I tried not to smile. She failed.
"Oh no," Jake said immediately. "No. You didn't."
"She so did," Kim said, eyes wide. "Wait, was it during training?"
I looked up at the sky dramatically. "It was… after training."
Kim squealed and turned to Jake. "Ten bucks."
"Dang it!" Jake groaned, pulling a crumpled ten from his wallet. "I bet it'd take at least a month."
"I said she'd cave in three weeks max," Kim grinned, proudly pocketing the cash.
I burst into laughter. "It wasn't like that!"
Jake smirked. "You kissed the guy who can control time, space, and minds. What if he just made you think it happened?"
"Oh my God, Jake," Kim rolled her eyes.
I chuckled. "It was real, I promise. Not that I haven't double-checked."
They collapsed into giggles, the tension melting away. For a few minutes, it felt like everything was perfect.
But it wasn't.
"Guys," I said, straightening. "There's something serious I need your help with."
The two looked up.
"There's a psychic named Lysandra. She's infiltrated the Academy. She's looking for Echoes—people like me. She's dangerous and connected to a bigger group that wants to take down the Elders and the Network."
Jake whistled. "Wow. That escalated."
Kim leaned forward. "So, what's the plan?"
"We're forming a team," I said. "Julian, me, and now you two. The Elders approved. We're going to keep eyes on the Academy, set a trap, catch her."
Jake's eyes lit up. "We get to go full psychic detective?"
Kim grinned. "Count me in."
I smiled. "You guys are the best."
"Obviously," Jake said, flexing. "Now tell us—did Julian use his powers during the kiss?"
"Oh my god, Jake!"
⸻
By mid-afternoon, snow-kissed vistas welcomed us back to Snow Valley's grand foyer, where the Council of Elders—the highest psychic authorities—sat in a wide circle. Mom and Dad were there, resplendent in their silver robes. Julian led Kim, Jake, and me into the center.
"Thank you for coming," Mom said quietly, voice steadied into calm authority. "We have an urgent threat."
She turned to Father, who motioned to a swirling projection at the chamber's center. It displayed students at the Psychic Academy, their auras flickering red at points.
"Lysandra has infiltrated the Academy," Dad explained. "She's corrupting young psychics—amplifying fears and turning them against their mentors."
An Elder with piercing grey eyes spoke next. "We've seen reports of mind control attempts, unauthorized psychic linkups—ours, but… hers. We believe she's building a psychic army."
Another Elder, tall and severe, drummed her slender fingers. "We must strike swiftly. If we wait until the next cycle, she'll have dozens of recruits under her control."
Mom looked at me. "Julia, as an Echo, you're integral. Your power can sever her link to the recruits and restore their minds."
Julian placed a hand on my shoulder. "I'll lead the strike with you. We can't let her escape again."
I swallowed, feeling the weight of dozens of vulnerable minds on my shoulders. Next to me, Kim squeezed my hand. Jake gave me a thumbs-up.
The lead Elder nodded. "Here's the plan: a three-pronged approach. First, the Network strike team will secure the perimeter. Second, Julian and Julia will enter the Academy's central lobby to break Lysandra's psychic bonds. Third, reinforcement teams—led by Kim and Jake—will evacuate and protect the students."
Kim's jaw dropped. "Me? Lead a reinforcement team? Do I get a psychic badge or something?"
"Your role is to comfort and organize the children once their minds are cleared," Mom answered gently. "You'll coordinate safe zones and calm any lingering fear."
Jake laughed nervously. "And what about me?"
Dad grinned. "You'll handle communications—keep the channels open, update us in real time, and herd stray telepaths like an army of very confused sheep."
I exhaled. "This is… insane."
Julian's eyes met mine. "But doable. We've trained for this. Together."
The Council rose as one. The plan was set. I glanced at Kim and Jake—my hilarious, fearless sidekicks—and felt a surge of determination. We were ready.
⸻
Under the cover of dusk's final violet light, the Network strike team landed on the Academy's grounds. Snow Valley's portal closed behind us, replaced by the Academy's elegant spires and archways softly lit from within.
The perimeter was secured in minutes—Elders' wards sealed the grounds, invisible barriers humming with energy. Inside, alarms sounded as psychic signatures spiked.
Julian and I breached the central dome, where Lysandra stood at the dais, her red eyes glowing, her silver hair floating like a halo.
"Welcome," she purred, voice amplified by psychic projection. "I've been waiting for you, Echo."
She raised her hand, and a wave of psychic energy slammed into me. My vision blurred as panic flared in the students around us—young faces twisted in fear.
Julian roared, sending a defensive psychic shield around us. "Now, Julia!"
I closed my eyes and reached deep—deeper than ever before—amplifying every ounce of calm memory I had: Kim's laughter, my mother's gentle words, the memory of the first time I stabilized those spheres.
I projected it outward, and the panic snapped like a rubber band. Students' eyes cleared; Lysandra's power waned.
Enraged, Lysandra lunged, but Julian intercepted with a time-freeze flick—her movement hung in midair long enough for me to step forward.
"Lysandra!" I called, voice ringing clear. "You will release these children!"
She spat, "You have no idea what you meddle with!"
I planted my feet and channeled the Echo in full force—a resonance that shook the dome. Red binds shattered like glass; Lysandra's aura flickered preternaturally.
With a scream, she vanished in a swirl of psychic dust, her link cut.
Silence fell.
⸻
The students filed out, shaken but free. Kim ushered them into clusters, calming them with warm words and gentle smiles. Jake kept his headset mic crackling with updates—"All clear!" "Grouping complete!"—and I couldn't help but grin.
Julian found me by the dais. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "You did it."
I leaned into him. "We did it."
Mom and Dad joined us, pride shining in their eyes. The Elders murmured approval.
Kim jogged over, high-fiving me so hard I almost fell over. Jake pressed a button on his headset like a battle won.
And standing there in that great hall, with so many lives saved, I realized something more.
The world of psychics was vast and dangerous, but also filled with courage, friendship, and love.
And as the portal back to Snow Valley opened in soft blue light, I knew we were ready—together—to face whatever came next.