Flashback ( PDFDrive )

She might have, if she hadn’t caught a glimpse of Elwin heading
toward them. And she was trying to decide what to do about the fact
that she was still holding Fitz’s hand, when Fitz made the decision for
her, giving her fingers a reassuring squeeze before gently letting go.
“Just like old times,” Elwin announced, setting down the trays of
medicine he’d been carrying. “But first, let’s see how you’re doing.”
He flashed several colorful orbs around Sophie’s arm, not looking
happy about her knuckles swelling. And Fitz apparently had some
similar swelling in his bad leg.
“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised, since I heard about the crazy day
you guys had with those alicorn babies. That’s why I called you in—
well, that, and Lady Zillah is wondering about your echoes. Do they
still stir?”
Fitz nodded, rubbing his chest. “I’m good most of the time, but big
mood swings get me.”
“Pretty much the same for me,” Sophie agreed. “And I still take
sedatives every night to avoid nightmares.”
Elwin reached up to muss his hair. “Well, I know this is going to
sound risky, but Lady Zillah said it might help if she knew exactly how
many seconds it takes before the echoes react. So do you think you
could each take turns thinking about one of your triggers so I can time
it? I’ll be right here to help with anything you need.”
Sophie and Fitz shared a look before Fitz hopped up on the cot and
sat leaning against the wall. And Sophie had a feeling he let himself
think about Alvar, because in about ten seconds he was clutching his
chest and gulping down breaths.
Sophie’s reaction took a little longer.