Flashback ( PDFDrive )

“You may be right,” Sophie had to admit. “But if you are . . . don’t
you think there’s a reason people say ‘keep your friends close and your
enemies closer’?”
Fitz closed his eyes. “Probably. But I don’t know if I can stomach
watching my parents fall for his ‘I’m so innocent’ act. I bet you
anything, by the Celestial Festival he’ll be back living in the main
house.”
“How soon is that?” Keeping track of dates in the Lost Cities was
impossible. Plus, the festival only happened on total lunar eclipses.
“A little less than three months. So, basically half of Alvar’s little
testing period. I guarantee that’s all it’ll take for him to win everyone
over—even Biana. And I just . . . I can’t even think about it without
wanting to punch everyone.”
“I get that. And I promise, I’m not trying to talk you into going
back home or doing anything you don’t think you can handle. Just . . .
please don’t get mad at me if I go back without you, okay? Searching
Everglen’s the first lead we’ve gotten since Keefe’s mom disappeared
with Vespera—and it may end up being nothing. But at least it’s
something worth looking into.”
Fitz turned back to face her. “I’m not going to get mad at you,
Sophie—especially over my jerk of a brother. And . . . if you’re going to
search my house, I’ll be right there with you.”
“Just to visit?” Grizel jumped in. “Because even though you haven’t
asked my opinion—a foolish oversight, by the way—I’m also in camp
It’s Smarter to Keep an Eye on Your Creepy Brother. Alvar won’t get
away with anything on my watch. But I can’t be there to supervise if
you’re off sulking.”