Control is a tightrope, and one misstep can be deadly.

"Water brigade!" I shouted over the roar of flames. "Form two lines from the well to the training hall. Move!"

Students scrambled to obey. Some still coughing from smoke, others too shocked to process orders quickly. But they moved. That's what mattered.

"You three." I pointed at the strongest fighters. "Clear debris from around the building. If the fire spreads to the armory we're all dead."

They ran. Behind me, Darius coordinated the ...