Flashback ( PDFDrive )

Breathing became a little easier. But Sophie still felt the need to
add, “What if the trolls want something I can’t give?”
“Well, if it helps, I haven’t found anything troubling about Empress
Pernille in my research. But if Luzia turns out to be right, then you’ll
make the best possible decision whenever the time comes. Life is a
series of hard choices, Miss Foster. The most you can do is face them
one at a time.”
“Does that mean you’re not mad at me for making the deal without
checking with you?”
“Of course I’m not. If you’d delayed, I’d be staring at two devastated
alicorns right now, and their babies would’ve been lost.” He stared at
his swollen, wrinkled hands, twisting the thick fingers together. “The
truth is, now that there’s only one of me, I’m falling further and
further behind in my responsibilities, and the Black Swan is suffering.
We’ve been all but useless to you these last several weeks—myself
especially. I still haven’t even finished arranging your meeting with
Fintan—though I’m getting close. But the good news is, you’re
growing more confident with each passing day. And I know I speak
for the entire Collective when I say that we trust your judgment. I’m
also grateful you’ve been willing to confide in me about all of this.
Perhaps it’s proof that you’re ready to take on even greater
responsibility in the order.”
Sophie sat up straighter. “Like what?”
“I’m not sure yet.” He gazed blankly into the distance for several
seconds before his focus shifted back to the pastures. “You realize as
soon as Silveny’s able, she’s going to head straight to her babies. I’m
sure she’s already plucked images of the tower from your mind so
she’ll be ready to teleport.”