The ashes look normal, except for a handful of tiny, crystalline specks. I spread the pile out in a perfect square, my preferred rebirthing shape, and start picking the crystals out.

I wouldn’t have noticed them if I hadn’t been expecting some kind of sabotage. Powdered glass. Not particularly potent on its own, but combined with the onyx I planned on using for my first summoning, they create a combination notorious for birthing hobbled horses. This isn’t an accident. It’s a carefully planned betrayal, involving officials no less.

It takes me an hour to find every single crystal. Seventy-three miniscule grains. I stand when I’m sure I’ve plucked the last one. Walking over, I hold the little grain out to the waiting official and smile.

“Strange,” I say. “I don’t recall putting powdered glass in my ashes.”

She shifts uncomfortably but says nothing. I wink at her and flick the last grain away. After that, I can’t stop grinning. I set the components for my phoenix’s first birth and retreat to my sleeping quarters, making sure the official retreats with me. She takes her seat in the corner of the room. I guess she’ll just watch me awkwardly through the night? How comforting.

First they tried to poison me. Now they’ve tried to poison my ashes. I turn my back to the watching judge and like my chances of winning more than ever. The Ashlords don’t want me in the Races because they know I might actually win. I am something to be feared.

Good.

In the morning, I’ll give them a few more reasons to tremble.

Chapter 20: A Door Left Open

You don’t sleep well. You’re still hearing the howls.

The benefits of the sacrifice ritual haven’t manifested. You wanted more of an explanation from Mother about what to expect, but Father’s presence the following morning made that impossible. You’re left with a lack of sleep and an empty feeling inside. It took most of the night to figure out that you’re not even mad that she cheated. A tool is a tool. Mother is right. Other riders in her year had the same benefits that she did. No, the part that makes you angry is that she didn’t give you a choice. She forced you to play the same hand that she did.

You deserved better than that.

The unfairness of her decision has you leaning more than ever toward Bravos. A new life is waiting in the distance for both of you. It feels like the only way forward now is together.

It’s a blessing when the official knocks on your door to announce the coming dawn.