Flashback ( PDFDrive )

TWENTY-FIVE
DON’T LET GO!” LADY ZILLAH shouted as the shadowflux twisted and
thrashed, fighting to break free of Tam’s hold.
He spun his hands, dragging the darkness closer—each thread so
much blacker than the other shadows filling the round alcove.
So much more solid and wild.
So terrifyingly familiar.
And with that thought, the monster in Sophie’s mind stirred.
Stretched its legs.
Sharpened its claws.
But Sophie refused to let the nightmares take control.
She stumbled back, pressing her shoulders against the nearest wall
to keep her balance as she stared at the stars through the open
skylight, imagining herself soaring toward the moon with Silveny—
racing for the light.
Leaving the shadows far behind.
And with every slow, deep breath, she caged the monster in.
“You okay?” Fitz whispered.
She glanced his way, realizing he was slumped against the wall,
both hands pressed over his heart, crutches balanced precariously
against his shoulder.
She nodded. “Are you?”
“I think so. But maybe we should—”