This is what you need, the better part of me whispered—the part that was brave and wise. There was only one way to get the Sacred Flame Feather into the laurel, and that was if Wugang allowed it. Being bound to the tree was an undeniable advantage, though there was no relief when it would also trap me. Magic tingled at my fingertips, yearning to be released—to cast the soldiers aside, to flee. The same urge that had driven me to claw victory from despair, life from death—was now a hindrance, chipping at my resolve.

I forced myself to go limp, dropping my head to hide my churning thoughts. As Wugang’s soldiers wrenched my arms around the tree, cords of light slithered around my wrists, spiraling across my chest, waist, and knees, locking me in this forced embrace. The bark stung against my body like I was pressed to a column of ice.

There was no need to feign terror; I shook with it—that Wugang might discover our trick, that I might fail … or die. I had weighed the danger, steeled myself for what lay ahead. I had imagined being held at sword point, restrained, threatened, and hurt—yet, I had also dreamed of a swift escape. I was quick; my magic was strong. All I had to do was lose myself in this forest I had known all my life. I had not expected to be trussed up like some cruel sacrifice—though, that was what I was. Yet as fear froze my blood, a rush of relief spilled through me that it was not my mother here.

I shoved aside my terror, probing my bonds cautiously. It was a strange magic I was tempted to test, but was wary of arousing Wugang’s suspicions. A sudden pain pierced me from within, the feather’s power lashing free. At once I channeled my energy to strengthen my shield, unable to afford a moment’s distraction. As my chest cramped with despair, I closed my eyes, fighting for calm. Images of my parents slid into my mind, along with Liwei and Wenzhi, of Shuxiao, Prince Yanming, and Ping’er. Something hardened along my spine, a warmth spreading over me.

Those truly powerful have no need for love.

It was what Wugang had said to me before, when we stood in this very place.

You are wrong, I told him in the silence of my mind. Love is what gives me the strength to do this. To stop you.