A pulse of raw anger passes through the tether from Typhon. I know elementals can “die” in a fight in our world, but Typhon has assured me they’re just energy. Under normal circumstances, they can’t truly die. They can just be dispersed and need time to gather themselves back into being. But siphons can absorb them into nothingness. Real death.

I gnaw my lower lip, considering. "Elementals must despise siphons even more than humans do."

"Astute observation. Yes. And now you've discovered the root of conflict between elementals and humans. The histories claim siphons were created by an exceptionally powerful unbound with a unique manifestation. The specifics are murky, naturally. These events transpired over a thousand years ago. Ancient times."

"Do the histories explain why an unbound created siphons? Why do something so terrible?"

"No. It's not recorded. All we know is the elementals disagreed on how to address the threat. This division led to fires and earths primarily allying with the Red Kingdom while waters and airs mostly sided with Empire."

"So everything—our entire conflict—really began because of one unbound?"

Voss nods. "Thus the need for discretion regarding your status. Both elementals and humans fear what your kind can become. We need only examine our history to see the devastation wrought by a… single unbound individual."

His words carry weight. Nauseating weight. They drive home the point I’ve already been feeling poised at my throat since finishing the unbound book. They make me feel like the monster I fear I could be—the monster my mother and sister thought but worse in every way.

"Why help me, then?" My voice emerges smaller than intended. "Why not throw me over the castle wall and be done with it?"

"He could try," Typhon roars in my mind.

"Because I believe you can help us. How, specifically, is a matter for another time. For now, concentrate solely on improvement. You must survive to be useful to anyone, and I cannot personally shield you during the Crucible."

Voss suddenly claps his hands and offers a friendly smile as he stands. "In any case, these matters needn't concern you today. Focus on what you can control. Your training. Maintaining your academic standing. Finding a fifth for the Crucible. Surviving. Because you're useless to everyone dead. That is one certainty you can cling to.”

My fingers twist into the fabric of my clothes. "But you said siphons might assume any form. How can I trust anyone knowing that?"