It occurred to Mina that even though she hadn’t spoken loudly, she’d been heard.

That was nice.

The professors, including the headmistress, were walking among the students, answering questions and offering advice. “Stay with your partners,” the professors were saying. “Students, stick together. Keep to the outskirts of the storm. Let the more experienced guardians take the brunt of it—​they’ll be coming from the city for the storm. Your job is to watch them and see how it’s done. Collect stray electricity and store it in your beasts to deliver when you’re done, but don’t try to take on any of the major bolts.”

The flight instructors were handing out what looked like crumpled-up bags. “For protection against the rain. If you haven’t been inside a storm before, know that it will be intense and disorienting. You must recognize your limits and look out for one another. If it’s too much, leave the storm. If you see another student who’s overwhelmed, help them leave the storm. No heroics.”

Mina looked for Professor Dano but didn’t see him.

Crack.

Was that thunder? She didn’t know what thunder sounded like, but that noise was like the time her father had felled a tree that had grown overlarge for its field.

Her mouth felt dry. She licked her lips, but it didn’t help. Her hands were sweaty. She wiped them on her shirt before she took one of the rain bags. Checking first to see how others were doing it, she pulled the bag on—​there was a slit for her head as well as two slits for her arms. The fabric crinkled as she moved. It was shiny and slick and reminded her a bit of the blankets on their beds.

Professor Werrin tapped her cane against a stone. “Attention, everyone! The city needs electricity, and we are going to provide it. Any you collect, deposit it in the outpost rods—​they’re located at the base of the mountains. This is not a game.”

Mina exchanged glances with Jyx. She wasn’t sure if it was good or not that it wasn’t a game. They still hadn’t won a match of lightning relay, even though they regularly kept their opponents from scoring.

“Mount up, students,” Professor Werrin ordered. “Remember: Do not leave the barren lands. No bringing your lightning over any farms or orchards, and certainly no crossing the mountains. Stay where you won’t do any harm. Anyone who disobeys will be prohibited from attending the Ten-Year Festival. Good luck, and happy storms!”

Mina climbed on Pixit’s back. The rain gear was bulky, but she mashed it down and leaned forward, gripping his feathery scales. Ready?

«No. You?»

No. Let’s do it anyway.