But as footsteps and the hum of voices approached, Mina wished she could turn invisible. A woman with a face she’d seen thousands of times before—​on banners and signs—​came around the corner, tailed by an entourage of women and men in dark blue uniforms.

The woman had graying hair, soft cheeks with smile wrinkles, and kind eyes. She wore a white sheath dress—​not unlike what Mother would have worn to a dress-up occasion. The only hint at her rank was the amulet with the Alorrian sun symbol that hung from her neck.

Mina was sure she’d forgotten how to breathe.

She stared, and every single thought fled her head except for one:It’s the prime minister.

«Who? Where?» Pixit asked from inside the bathroom. «Wait for me!»

Mina didn’t know what she was supposed to do. Bow? Curtsy? Faint?

The prime minister smiled warmly at her, as if Mina were a beloved neighbor, not a strange girl lingering in the hallway. “Ah, you must be one of the lightning students. Let me guess: you’re waiting for your beast to finish in the bathroom.”

Mina could only stare. She didn’t remember how her throat worked. She felt as if she’d never formed a word before in her life.

“They’re wonderful dears, but they can be so inconvenient sometimes.” She gave Mina a wink. “Don’t tell my beast I said that. Did you know I used to be a wind guardian, back when I was your age?”

Mina nodded, then shook her head, then just stared more.

One of the men beside the prime minister darted forward and whispered in the prime minister’s ear. She nodded but waved him back. “Don’t be silly. I can spare a moment for one of our brave volunteers. Truly, it is because of the loyalty and devotion to duty shown by our young people that Alorria prospers today.” She laughed at herself. “Oh, don’t I sound pompous!”

She didn’t. In fact, she sounded like any of Mina’s neighbors, friendly and ordinary. Mina tried to think of a response. I have to say something! When she got home and Gaton asked her what she’d said when she was face-to-face with the prime minister, she couldn’t say she’d said nothing.

He’d expect that, though, she thought.

There was no one who would be surprised if Mina said nothing at all.

“Would you like to ask me a question?” the prime minister asked. “I’m always happy to answer questions our young people have.”

Mina opened her mouth.

Nothing came out.