Flashback ( PDFDrive )

“We have lots of help this time,” Biana reminded her.
“I know. But with the Neverseen . . . we’re always missing
something. There’s always some trick we don’t see until it’s too late
and—”
“About that,” Marella cut in. “I know you’re probably going to tell
me I should sit this one out because the festival’s so public. But . . .
you might need me. I won’t use my ability unless I have to, but it’s
probably smart to have the option.”
Sophie wanted to argue.
But she stopped herself.
Because the truth was . . .
They were going to need all the help they could get.
• • •
Six days became five days.
Then four.
And by the time they were down to three, it felt like the monster
was stalking every thought Sophie had. Even the sedatives couldn’t
fully put the beast to rest, and shadows lurked among the glitter and
sparkles in her dreams—along with a haunting voice, wholly her own
this time, whispering over and over, What are we missing? What are we
missing? What are we missing?
She hated letting the adults handle all the preparations, but she
didn’t have the kind of power and resources that they did. So she spent
her days training with her friends and bodyguards, pushing her stillhealing
body as hard as she could without reinjuring anything. And
every night she made Mr. Forkle walk her through how the plan was
coming together.