Flashback ( PDFDrive )

Tarina followed her gaze. “Can you read our writing as well?” Her
voice sounded chirpier, which probably meant she’d shifted languages
again.
Sophie squinted at the letters. “Does that say ‘long shot’?”
“It does. We name our weapons as part of our training, and I chose
this to remind myself that even when all hope feels lost, I can continue
fighting. A sentiment I’m sure you can appreciate—which is rare for
your species, isn’t it? Elves generally live their glittering lives
oblivious to most of this planet’s harsh realities. But not you. You also
have an incredibly rare worldview from your years living with humans.
I’d wager you see things drastically differently than any of us do. And
while my people may not be connected to these current problems your
world is facing—we’re no strangers to war. We know how evil spreads
like a virus without any cure. Which is why the empress sent me on
this assignment, despite the fact that it requires working alongside
those who, another time, another place, would gladly choose to slit my
throat. It’s also why I’m taking this chance to speak candidly to you.”
Grady moved to Sophie’s side, wrapping an arm around her, as if he
could sense the slight tension knotting her shoulders. “Everything
okay?”
“Yep,” Sophie said, hoping it was true.
The conversation felt like it was curving, and Sophie couldn’t figure
out where it was heading. Especially when Tarina added, “We know
nothing of this organization you serve—this Black Swan, as you call it
—but we know the elvin Council has never fully provided the support
my species needs. That’s why long ago one of our empresses chose to
partner with an elf she trusted instead—someone with the power,
intelligence, and determination to stand up for what was right, even