Flashback ( PDFDrive )

goes for you, troll.”
Sophie’s chest tightened with each weapon she was forced to toss
aside. But she managed to keep one dagger and a couple of throwing
stars in the hidden pockets in her boots—and she hoped her friends
were able to do the same.
Before she could transmit to check, their force fields blinked away,
leaving the clearing much darker as the ogres herded them into a
clump.
This is good, Fitz transmitted, nudging his way closer to Sophie
while the Neverseen were busy searching Tarina for any weapons she
might still be concealing. It’s going to be even darker once we’re away
from the glow of the gates. So if we stay close, we might be able to teleport
away before they notice what we’re doing.
But we can’t abandon Sandor and the others, Sophie reminded him.
Plus, I don’t think we can leave until we know what the Neverseen are really
up to. We need to figure out a plan. Is it . . . is it okay if I hold your hand?
Only because enhancing should make it easier for us to form a mental link
with everyone. Not for . . . anything else.
He reached for her, and she could feel the rough scabs crusting his
wounded knuckles as their fingers tangled together. You don’t have to
ask to do this.
Sophie looked away, her eyes burning as much as her cheeks. I
just . . . figured I should make sure, after . . .
Fitz sighed. It’s a bad day, but . . . I meant what I said—I don’t blame
you. You couldn’t have known about the null. And I wouldn’t have backed
down on Alvar if I didn’t realize you were right.
She risked a glance at him, surprised at how calm he looked.