I know Kiri is yanking at my hand, trying to make me flee with her. But all that vanishes behind a strange buzzing in my head as I watch the thlakeen draw closer. The water dripping from its body does nothing to hinder the flames erupting from its back, and the light reflecting off its black scales gives the creature a terrifying glow. A fire just as powerful erupts in my chest as my heart fills with rage. This is the monster that has terrorized my people. Whatever problems I might have with Kristakai’s laws, this is still my home, and this beast must pay for what it did. I feel my wrath rush down my arms like two boiling streams, and the fireballs ignite in my hands almost of their own will. They leap and crackle as I channel my powers toward them, building them until they’re each the size of my head. Somewhere in the distance, someone is telling me to stop—but all I see is the nearing abomination. Blood pounds in my ears, and I’m not sure if the red glow around my vision is from my flaming hair or from the sheer power of my fury.
