Raith’s hard features momentarily soften. "Let's just say it's not his first run-in with trouble."

Before I can press further, Raith opens the door. Cade stands in the corridor, his back pressed against the opposite wall. He straightens immediately when he sees Raith, brushing self-consciously at the small bloodstain on his collar.

"I'm sorry," he blurts out. "I was trying to keep a low profile like you said. But they⁠—"

"It's not your fault," Raith interrupts, his voice gentler than I've heard it before. He approaches Cade and examines the cut on his neck. "It's shallow. You'll be fine."

To my surprise, Raith produces a small cloth from his pocket and carefully cleans away the blood. The tender care in the gesture makes something twist in my chest. I’m instantly reminded of his mention of a brother he lost. Gareth.

"Did you at least remember what I taught you?" Raith asks.

Cade's face falls. "I froze up. Couldn't remember any of the moves."

"That's normal," Raith says. "It happens to everyone the first few times."

"Not to you," Cade mutters.

"Even me." Raith glances at me, then back to Cade. "This is Nessa Thorne, by the way. She was trying to help you, which was brave but reckless."

"Yeah… I know who she is. Everyone does. Thanks, Nessa," Cade says to me, his eyes still downcast. "But you shouldn't have risked it. They're looking for any excuse to hurt fires right now."

"Why?" I ask. "What's happening?"

Cade and Raith exchange a look, and I get the distinct impression they're deciding how much to tell me.

"Malakai has been spreading rumors," Raith finally says. "Telling people that the fires are working with Red Kingdom. That we're planning to sabotage the Crucible with outside help."

"That's ridiculous," I say. "Everyone has to see he's lying."

"Do they?" Raith raises an eyebrow, the scarred side of his face pulling taut. "Look at history, Nessa. Every time there's conflict, the fires get blamed. We're the outsiders, the ones who don't fit neatly into Empire society. Even the earths don't get quite the same blame as us since they're more often used defensively in combat. Fires are easiest to blame. Simple as that."

"But that's—" I begin, then stop, the words lodging in my throat as I realize he's right. Even someone who seems as sweet and kind as Mireen carries her prejudices deeply. Even I can’t pretend I don’t have some of my own.

"He speaks truth," Typhon observes. "Humans do love their tribalism."

Cade shifts nervously from foot to foot. "I should go. I'll be late for elemental conditioning."

Raith nods. "Take the west corridor. Fewer people."

Cade hesitates, looking between us again. "Are we still on for our training tomorrow?"

"Same time, same place," Raith confirms. "And Cade? Next time, don't go anywhere alone. Stay with Tifa and Jenner like I told you."