Flashback ( PDFDrive )

“And don’t expect any leniency,” Councillor Alina—Sophie’s least
favorite Councillor—added. She tossed her long dark hair, which
gleamed with caramel-colored highlights as she rose from her peridotcovered
throne. “The smallest mistake will end your trial period
immediately. And you’ll be sharing your apartment with two of our
most trusted goblin warriors, who’ll make sure we know everything
you do.”
Biana frowned. “What apartment?”
“A team of gnomes is building a separate residence for Alvar on our
property,” Alden explained. “Your mother and I figured that would be
easier than having him in the main house.”
Fitz whipped around. “So then you guys knew this was happening.”
“Fitz,” Della tried.
He shook his head, turning to Sophie and Keefe. “Did you know
too? Is that why you’re here?”
“They’re here because I asked them to come,” Alden jumped in. “I
didn’t tell them why. But yes, your mother and I found out this
morning, when Councillor Terik stopped by to make sure the Council
had our permission to move Alvar to our private property.”
“And you gave it?” Biana asked, moving to Fitz’s side, as if an
invisible line had just been drawn between them and their parents.
Della sighed. “I know this isn’t what either of you want to hear. But
Alvar’s our son—and your brother. We owe it to him to—”
“We don’t owe him anything!” Fitz interrupted. “He betrayed us!
And if you think he won’t do it again, you’re—”
“I’d think twice before resorting to insults,” Councillor Emery
warned. “This is the Council’s decision.”
Fitz clenched his jaw so tight, a muscle twitched along his chin.