An Ember in the Ashes

On another errand to the blacksmith, Laia learns the woman Elias was dancing with at the festival is providing the Scholars with weapons. The blacksmith has vowed never to make weapons for the Martials again, and the only reason he’s entertaining the Commandant’s request is to protect Laia from the Commandant’s wrath. Laia lets slip that Darin is to be executed, but the blacksmith doesn’t believe it because Darin would have been moved to a different prison if that were the case. Laia isn’t sure if he’s telling the truth and leaves before she can give more away. All that matters is that Darin’s alive, and if she can free him then “the rest can be fixed” (287).

On her way back to Blackcliff, Laia meets with Keenan in the square, who’s worried about her mission because Mazen has been hiding the reports about Darin. Feeling unsure, Laia returns to Blackcliff to find a way in for the rebels, and the cook warns her again not to trust the resistance. They argue, neither willing to give ground. Finally, Laia yells that she just wants out of the school.