Flashback ( PDFDrive )

Sophie shouldn’t have gasped, since stepfamilies were super
common among humans. But death was incredibly rare in the Lost
Cities—and divorce seemed to be even rarer—so she had to ask,
“What happened?”
“I don’t actually know. It’s one of those Ancient scandals my
relatives like to pretend never happened. Just like I’m sure they want
to do with Alvar.” He kicked the sand again. “Did you hear them
today? They hate us.”
“I don’t think they hate you. But even if they do . . . do you really
care?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
Sophie shrugged. “It’s not like you see them very often.”
“No, but they’re still my family. And they’re not the only ones
bothered by my brother. You’ve seen what it’s been like at school—
and this is going to make it a million times worse. I know I shouldn’t
care, but . . .”
His gaze dropped to his feet as he kicked the side of his shoe. “The
thing is . . . I like being a Vacker—or I did until all of this happened. I
know you’re probably going to think I’m a jerk for admitting that,
but . . . I like knowing I’m part of a huge legacy—and not whatever
creepy legacy Alvar was talking about that has Biana all freaked out.
The name’s always felt like proof that I’d do something important
someday. But now I’m pretty sure the only thing anyone’s going to
remember about me is that I’m the brother of a murderer.”
“That’s not true. I’ll always remember that you found me and
brought me to the Lost Cities and showed me where I really belong.
And that you came when I called for help and saved me from fading