The official eyes me with curiosity as the machines start fetching the powders and dumping them in my waiting cubes. I resist the temptation to glance over at her, or clear my throat, or scream at the top of my lungs. This is the beginning of everything.

Some small part of me expects Ashlord officials to enter the room, shake their noble heads, and disqualify me from the Races. It’s an irrational fear. I am allowed to pick whatever components I want to pick. Those are their rules. I wait for the woman to comment on my choices. She doesn’t speak, though. And no one comes to arrest me.

Five of the most priceless powders in the world slowly siphon into boxes that will soon be strapped to my belt. I just hope the officials and the gamblers look past how much my cubes are now worth. I’m sure they’ll have the value listed somewhere on the Chats, but I need them to focus on the idea that I’ve got some ancient and brilliant alchemy planned for each substance. In every interview, I pretended to have something up my sleeve. It’s not a lie, but it’s not the truth, either. They think I’ll be making my horse teleport between canyons, race through walls. I can already imagine the gamblers discussing all those sparkling possibilities.

Once the cubes are full, the official walks over and seals them. She hands the belt to me. Her silence is a dismissal. I glance up at the cameras, nod once for Martial, and leave.

My phoenix is waiting in the open stable. She’s a gorgeous blood bay, prettier than any of the horses I’ve seen on Martial’s ranch. Even after a week, the two of us are still far too new to each other. More acquaintances than friends. She’s almost ready to trust me, but I still waste a good fifteen minutes getting her settled and fitted. It’s just one more sign I never could have won. In the Races, Ashlord riders need a minute at most to settle their rebirths. Their restarts are quick because every minute counts.

The unfairness of it digs under my skin.

I take a deep breath and remember my purpose has changed.

I’m not here to win the Races. I’m here to break them.

I mount when she’s finally calmed, sliding feet into the stirrups and urging her toward the opening. She’s the biggest horse I’ve ever ridden, but we find our rhythm as the path funnels out into a wide, red powdered canyon. In the bright morning sun, everything looks vibrant.