Flashback ( PDFDrive )

take control of the situation. It’s probably best if you break into groups so
you can cover more ground—but don’t wander too far. Remember that the
rest of the Collective—and several more members of our order—will be
searching other areas. It’s about being thorough and questioning any detail
that feels off. I also want you to meet back here at our base point every thirty
minutes in case we need to adjust our strategy. He pointed to a blanket a
few feet away, piled with pillows and overstuffed baskets.
“Aw, you brought snacks!” Keefe said.
Actually, that was Edaline. Magnate Leto nudged his chin toward the
fringes of the crowd, and it took Sophie several seconds to find her
mom shrouded in a lavender cloak, with Grady next to her in pale
blue.
The nervous smiles they gave her when their eyes met seemed to
say, Please be careful. And Sophie hoped her responding nod told them
to do the same.
No one goes off alone, no matter the circumstances, Magnate Leto
continued. Especially you, Miss Vacker. Vanish if you wish, but stay near
some of your friends. And if any of you see anything suspicious, set off one of
these. He passed around a sack filled with what looked like tiny silver
marbles, and they each grabbed a handful. The Council distributed them
to everyone, so they won’t be suspicious, but yours are the only ones that
flash purple, so we’ll be able to—
Purple sparks crackled at his feet, making him stumble back.
“What?” Keefe asked. “Someone needed to make sure they work,
right?” He set off another one with a smirk. “Yep, I think we’re good.”
Magnate Leto breathed a long-suffering sigh.
But Sophie was grateful for the bit of levity. It sent the monster
skittering to the back of her mind.