Flashback ( PDFDrive )

new Shade.”
Tam snorted. “So, what, you’re here to kidnap me?”
“No. Kidnappings never work—we learned that the hard way with
Sophie. I’m here to recruit you—officially. We started the process
months ago, after you made such an impression on us in Atlantis. Why
do you think I sent Umber to attack Sophie and Fitz with
shadowflux?” She grinned when Sophie flinched. “I knew their
injuries would inspire you to finally start training in the power—and I
must say, it worked out even better than I anticipated. I saw you in
action tonight. Very impressive. Still lacking Umber’s experience, but
we should be able to get you up to speed in time—assuming we get
started right away. Which is why I’m here.”
She jingled the vials of antidote again, and Sophie had to laugh.
“You think you’re the only one with the antidote to soporidine? Fintan
gave us a stash months ago.”
“I’m sure he did. But hasn’t that photographic memory of yours
noticed that both the soporidine I used and the antidote I’m offering
are different colors than the ones I used on the princess? We made
dozens of variations, and you need this type to save your sparkly
winged friends. They won’t survive without it. And if that’s not
enough motivation for you, let’s not forget that I could march into that
hive right now and shoot soporidine into the gel the babies are
developing in. How long do you think they’d last? One hour? Two?
Who knows if the cure could even undo the damage?”
“UGH—DO YOU HEAR YOURSELF RIGHT NOW?” Keefe
shouted. “HOW CAN YOU BE THIS CREEPY?”
“I never said I want these things to happen, Keefe,” she said calmly.
“I’m very much hoping it doesn’t come to that. But it’s not up to me.