Sophie followed Alden, Juline, and Della downstairs to the kitchen where Fitz, Keefe, Dex, Biana, and Tiergan were sitting around the table. Amy hung back, unsure of whether or not she should go past the doorframe. Tiergan heard her thoughts, and gestured for her to come in. She sat between Fitz and Sophie.

Tiergan cleared his throat. "I've been putting off this announcement, wanting to give a respectful period before, but this needs to be addressed. We need a new member of the Collective. I will be taking over as Head of the Collective, but we still need a fifth member. Della, if you would like it, the position is yours."

"I know it can be hard to play such a large role in the Black Swan as well maintain a family and life for the rest of the Lost Cities, but I've managed to do it. And you wouldn't have to hide it from your family like I did for twelve years," Juline put it. Dex rolled his eyes.

"Well, it certainly is a lot to consider," Della pointed out. "But, I think I'd like to do it. I think it's the right thing to do."

"It most definitely is," Tiergan agreed. "Our world needs the Black Swan to keep everything in check."

"Um," Amy asked. "What is the Black Swan?"

"A rebellion against our leadership. However, unlike the rebellion that kidnapped your parents, the Black Swan is not evil."

"I get that," Amy said. "Humans have corrupt leadership all the time, so they need rebellions to keep everything in check, too."

Soon, it was time for Sophie to head back to Havenfield. Amy was going to sleep at Everglen, because all the animals at Havenfield would have been too overwhelming. Elwin came to check everyone before Sophie left to go back home.

"Hi Mom, hi Dad!" she called as she teleported into the kitchen. Sandor was standing in front of her, but her parents were nowhere to be seen. "They're in their bedroom," Sandor squeaked, following Sophie as she climbed the stairs to the second floor.

Sitting on the bed was Edaline, speaking into an Imparter in her hand. She quickly hung up as Sophie stepped onto the flower petal carpet. "Where's Grady?"

"He's on an assignment."

"For the Council?" Sophie was confused. Her parents didn't support the Council after they had proved they were corrupt.

"No," was the only answer Edaline offered.

Sophie sighed, wishing her parents would tell her more. After the long day she had had, however, she didn't press further, simply updating her mother with the day's events. Edaline frowned when she heard about Amy's training. She objected to the idea of training humans, although she did agree that it had proved to be very useful.

Before Sophie went to bed, she tried reaching Grady on her Imparter. As expected, it said Out of Range. She sighed, putting the device on her bedside table. She reached for her iPod, surprised to see a text message from and her father's number on her screen. It simply said, "Too late."

I'm trying to write chapters that are about 500-700 words. Is that a good length?