Flashback ( PDFDrive )

He was following our orders—and we expect you to as well.” He
turned back to Dex. “Thank you. You’re dismissed.”
“I was just trying to help,” Dex told Fitz and Biana as his platform
lowered back to ground level. “I figured this way we’d have some
control, you know?”
Neither of them nodded.
Dex’s eyes shifted to Sophie, and she gave him as much of a smile as
she could. She knew he’d been in an impossible position. But he was
still going to have to give Fitz and Biana time to cool off.
“Before we’re interrupted by any further outbursts,” Emery said as
Dex slunk toward the exit, “I want to make it clear that this decision is
final. As soon as the security at Everglen is ready, Alvar will be moved
to his new apartment, where he’ll remain for the next six months—
unless he gives us any reason to remove him earlier. And while he’s
there, we’ll be providing weekly lists of tasks to test his behavior. All
observations will be taken into account during his final sentencing.”
“I won’t disappoint you,” Alvar promised, dipping his shakiest bow
yet before bending to put his boot back on.
“I hope you don’t,” Terik told him. “I also hope you realize how
lucky you are to have this opportunity.”
“I do,” Alvar said, tears welling in his eyes as he turned to Alden
and Della. “I’m . . . looking forward to getting to know you.”
“So are we,” Della whispered, wiping her cheeks.
“This is your last chance,” Alden warned.
Fitz shook his head, his face twisted with disgust, and Sophie
noticed similar expressions among many in the crowd.
“Wait!” Ro said as Emery ordered the guards to take Alvar back to
his cell. “That’s it?”