An Ember in the Ashes

Keenan prepares Laia to leave for Blackcliff, explaining her assignment is to gain information about the trials. As they talk, Laia sees the vulnerable boy beneath Keenan’s gruff exterior, and Keenan is impressed by Laia’s knowledge of healing herbs. Laia reveals she once dreamed of being a storyteller, but she no longer feels the need to tell stories of the supernatural since “there’s worse that roams the night” (91).

That night, a rebel operative brings Laia to the slaver who obtains all the slaves for Blackcliff. Though Laia’s been ordered to say nothing, she offers a list of her skills when it looks like the slaver won’t buy her. The slaver finally agrees, noting that Laia will have to learn to keep her mouth shut, and an hour later, she’s in a wagon on her way to the school. In the dark, a ghul appears, tells her Darin is suffering, and disappears as the wagon halts.

The slaver drags Laia to the Commandant, all the while warning her about what to expect. The Commandant will brand her, but Laia will be glad for it because it will keep the older students from abusing her as often.