As an awkward hush falls over the crowd, the inmyeonjo laughs heartily. “I know it isn’t fair, child,” she croons, “but we can’t all be heroes.”

Something in me snaps. She’s right. It isn’t fair. It’s not fair that both my birth parents were killed. It isn’t fair that Emmett lost his mom. It isn’t fair that Hattie was taken as collateral because I got greedy. And it’s not fair that my parents have to choose between me and their gifts.

As anger fills my body like a poison, the lighter’s flame begins to pulsate. The crowd gasps, and Man Bun Jo calls out from the crowd, “That’s it, kid! Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it!”

In that moment, I realize that, for me, the key is anger. I need to be furious in order to activate my element.

So I let it build. I let the frustration and pain and injustice expand like air in my lungs, and I channel it all toward the lighter flame. I take one deep breath, and then let it out, releasing it toward the inmyeonjo. A fireball flies straight at her….

But it only makes it two-thirds of the way before it loses steam.

The bird-woman’s eyes widen as a small lick of flame bounces forward and singes a talon. She’s surprised, but she doesn’t let it show for long. I used everything I have on that one move, and she knows it. She shrieks and flies over my head, swiping at me with a sharp claw. She misses, but I think she does it on purpose. She’s just showing me she has the upper hand (or wing?).

I rub my wrists again, trying to activate more fire. But my anger is draining away, and even though the crowd is roaring encouragement, I can’t make the flame do anything more than flicker. I am spent.

The inmyeonjo is on the ground now, and she fluffs up her feathers, preparing to attack again. Blood is still seeping from the cheek wound the twins gave her, but she can see she’s already won the fight against me. She throws me a victorious smile and charges. I cover my face with my arms, but one sharp talon still manages to clip me.

Argh!

I clamp down on the trickle of blood from the wound. This is pointless. I can’t do this.

The crowd lets out a gasp, and I look to Sora for help. She frowns slightly but doesn’t intervene. Her words echo in my ears. If we deem your conduct in the task worthy… And What we’re looking for is your commitment and loyalty.