Flashback ( PDFDrive )

“With all due respect,” Tarina countered, stalking a few steps
closer, “you don’t get to make that decision. We rely on you for secrecy
—but the hive belongs to my people.”
“It does,” Luzia agreed. “So it’s surprising that I have to be the one
to remind you that the eclipse is coming.”
“What does that have to do with anything?” Fitz demanded.
“It means . . . there will be a mass hatching,” Tarina said quietly.
Luzia nodded. “I assume you don’t need me to explain why it would
be far too dangerous to have the alicorns trapped in the hive,
surrounded by hundreds of wild newborns.”
Even Sophie could understand that—and the realization felt like a
deathblow.
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she said, “So . . . we can’t save
them.”
Fitz pulled Sophie against him.
“I’m sorry,” Tarina whispered. “The timing’s just . . . off.”
Luzia studied each of them in turn. Then she rolled her eyes. “I
always forget how melodramatic the young are. How easily defeated.
It’s what’s ruining our world, if you ask me. Someday you’ll have the
perspective to not crumble at the first hint of disappointment—to see
the next step without needing someone to explain it.”
“Does that mean there’s still a way to save the babies?” Sophie
asked, willing to overlook the insults—willing to overlook anything—if
Luzia could give her that.
“It depends on how much time we have. I can arrange for a private
hive to be set up specifically for the alicorns,” Luzia told her. “But the
construction obviously must be done by trolls. And I only have two
staying on the property.”