An Ember in the Ashes

Seven days before the events of Chapter 15, Elias begins the first trial in the Great Wastes—the dry and baren land he was transported to. He has seven days to reach the bell tower in the city, which seems too easy of a task. Thinking back to the instructions the Commandant gave, he remembers the first trial was about courage, which makes him sure “there’s something else out here” (149). The sun sets, providing much-needed relief from the scorching heat, and Elias begins his journey, all the while wondering what fear he’ll need to face.

Over a hill, Elias sees a battlefield full of carnage. Someone whispers his name, and Elias whirls to find the first boy he ever killed staring at him. The boy leads Elias through the carnage, explaining they are the bodies of everyone Elias has or ever will kill, including Laia and his fellow Masks. Elias tries to leave the field behind, but every time he does, it reappears before him. Elias spends days wandering among the fallen, begging for forgiveness and hating himself. On the fifth day, Helene appears. At first, Elias believes she’s another of his kills, and he swears he would never harm her, making him realize “I cannot be afraid of something if there’s no chance it could ever occur” (155).