With words tumbling over one another, she said, “I’m going back to Mytris to become a lightning guardian. But first, I need to tell you that I believe controlling the weather creates storms on the other side of the mountains. Most of the time, the outsiders manage, but during the festival, we manipulate the weather so much that it causes deadly storms that kill lots of people and destroy lots of towns beyond Alorria. Even worse, the prime minister knows but doesn’t want anyone to talk about it and doesn’t plan to do anything to change things. I asked her about it, which made her mad, but she doesn’t know who I am, so my professor sent me home to keep me safe. Now that I’m going back, though, I want to do something about it, because it’s not right. If you see something in the world that isn’t right, you have to try to fix it.”

Chapter
Eighteen

For the first time in her life, Mina struck her entire family speechless.

It felt kind of nice.

But then they all started yelling.

Gaton: “Wait—​you heard the rumors too? And you asked the prime minister?”

Papa: “I’m sure you’re mistaken. The storm beasts prevent storms, not cause them. What happens beyond the mountains has nothing to do with us.”

Mother: “You insulted the prime minister? She’s a national hero! She isn’t keeping secrets from her people! That’s ridiculous!”

Gaton: “You’re seriously brave. I’ve heard stories about the prime minister—​she hates to be wrong. So you’re saying this why you were suspended? I thought it was because you couldn’t spark. Which, by the way, you just did.”

Papa: “The weather in Alorria doesn’t cause deaths beyond the mountains. I think you’re overreacting. Yes, there has been discussion—”

Mother: “Lies. The festival doesn’t ‘kill lots of people.’ Storm beasts keep people safe! That’s the entire point of the celebration! Haven’t you read your history?”

Gaton: “History approved by the prime minister! All weather is connected—​the sky is all one piece. You can’t dismiss facts just because you don’t like where they lead.”

Papa: “Now, now, I’m sure our government wouldn’t deliberately lie. And I’m sure there’s another logical explanation for these ‘deadly storms.’”

Mother: “If they even exist. Has anyone seen a shred of proof? All I’ve heard is talk from people who have never even been beyond the mountains.”

Gaton: “Are you saying Mina’s lying?”

Papa: “Of course no one is saying that.”

Mother: “I’m saying she’s mistaken.”

Gaton: “She talked with the prime minister!”

Mother: “But she didn’t see any proof—”

Gaton: “She doesn’t need proof; she has logic!”

Papa: “Let’s all calm down.”

The twins jumped up and began clamoring for attention.

Beon: “I want sparkles on my hand! Give me sparkles too!”