Flashback ( PDFDrive )

“That’s all?” Gethen sighed dramatically. “Don’t you think we
would’ve thought of that? Don’t you realize that everything you’ve
done up until now has been completely predictable—except one thing.
Only one: that dagger in your hand. I didn’t think you had it in you—
but there you are, holding a permanent solution to the threat you’re
facing. But will you have the courage to use it?”
“Okay, this is definitely a game,” Keefe warned as Fitz adjusted his
grip on the weapon again.
“To what end?” Umber countered.
That’s what Sophie was trying to figure out—and not making any
progress.
But Keefe was right—this was a game. And Sophie was pretty sure
they were losing, if Fitz’s shaking was any indication, or the fact that
Biana looked ready to vomit.
Careful of your echo, she transmitted to Fitz, taking a cautious step
closer to him. That might be their plan—to make you collapse under all this
stress and emotion so Alvar can get away.
Fitz’s eyes darted to hers, and he took another long, slow breath,
lowering his dagger ever so slightly.
Gethen glared at Sophie. “Whatever you think you’ve figured out, I
can assure you, you’re wrong.” His gaze shifted to Alvar. “Perhaps I’m
trying to see if we recruited the wrong Vacker. Or perhaps I simply
want everyone to know that you had a choice tonight.” He focused on
Fitz again as he said it. “You have a chance, right now, to take control
of this situation—a chance to eliminate the threat before it becomes
anything more. It’s the only way to stop what’s coming next, I promise
you. So the question is, will you take it? Or will you live with the
regret of knowing you could’ve prevented everything coming next?