"In any case. Curious that so few would volunteer, isn't it? Or is it just that the tight age window means most loved ones aren't eligible to do it?" He has a rambling way of talking, almost as if he's thinking aloud.

I glance down at his badge and see an "R". "What does yours mean?"

"Replacement. Somebody with no eligible next-of-kin ran once they were selected, and I was taken in their place." He shrugs. "It's okay though. My cousin is training to be a diviner, and she said she's picked up fire affinity markers in me."

"Fire?" Mireen whispers, instinctively shifting away from him.

His smile falters. "What, afraid I'm a Red Kingdom spy?" He wiggles his fingers, as if poking fun at the very idea.

"My uncle died fighting Red Kingdom. His unit was wiped out by one of their fire primals. Every last soldier burned so badly their armor was the only thing left on the field." Her voice trembles with sudden, barely contained anger, all her easy-going nature evaporated in an instant.

I notice her slight accent then—a subtle drawl that marks her as a deep norther. Up that close to the border, tensions between Red Kingdom and Empire are on everyone's mind every day. The war is literally in their backyards. No wonder she said they see a lot of death where she’s from.

Even for the relatively fortunate like those of us in Saltcrest, the war’s reach is long. Supply blockages often cripple port trade, leading to shortages and starvation. The famine that claimed my best friend’s life hit when I was just eight, and it was a direct result of the war.

"I'm Empire-born," Nolan cuts in, voice tight. "Last time I checked, Empire still accepts fire and earth primals. I'd be fighting right alongside people like your uncle if I became a primal."

"And yet you don’t have to look far to find stories of fires and earths betraying Empire. Turning coat to join Red Kingdom. They can't be trusted," Mireen counters.

"Not every fire and earth elemental is loyal to Red Kingdom," Nolan argues. "Some of them choose to side with Empire, and Empire should be glad for it." He stands straighter, back rigid with indignance.

"Come on," I say, looking between them. "We're all in the same boat now. The last thing we need is to make enemies of each other."

Nolan shrugs, offering a hand to Mireen.

She swallows, then takes and shakes, even if she doesn't look particularly happy about it.

"Do you know what they're going to do with us?" I ask them both.