Flashback ( PDFDrive )

Fallon ignored him. “It’s also the predictability that bothers me.
Surely these rebels—these Neverseen, as they’ve chosen to call
themselves—assumed we would send him home to his family in his
condition. Is it such a stretch to think that it could also be their
wish?”
“We considered the possibility,” Emery admitted. “And that’s
another reason we’re posting guards. But in the past, those the
Neverseen planted into specific positions were also well aware of the
roles they had to play.”
“I’m sure they were,” Fallon agreed. “But as has already been
pointed out: Memories can return. Or . . . perhaps the rebels felt an
unwitting accomplice would be harder for us to detect.”
Alina snorted. “You think the Neverseen are such masters of
manipulation that they could guide Alvar through some intricate
scheme without him realizing it?”
“It doesn’t have to be intricate in order to be effective,” Fallon
corrected. “Generally, the most powerful plans are also the simplest.”
“Seriously—will you please let me say something?” Alvar asked
again. “You’re acting like I don’t have any control in this. I do. Even if
my memories come back and I am part of some conspiracy, I’m giving
you my word that I won’t let myself play any part in it. In fact, I’ll be
doing everything in my power to make sure their plans fail. But
honestly? I don’t think their goals have anything to do with me. Would
they have given me these if they wanted my loyalty?”
He pulled back his sleeves, revealing more curved red scars like the
ones on his neck and face—but these looked much longer and deeper,
as if the weapon had cut all the way to the bone.