Destiny cannot be escaped

Destiny cannot be escaped, argues Sabaa Tahir in An Ember in the Ashes. Destiny, also referred to as fate and the future in the novel, is essentially what will happen in the future no matter what someone does to try to change it. Destinies are foretold by the Augurs to each of the Aspirants, but it is Elias above all who is horrified at the prospect of his destiny.

Elias intends to desert the Empire as soon as graduation is over and he can get away. He does not want to fight for the Empire, and does not want innocent blood on his hands. The night before graduation, however, Cain tells Elias not to run because he cannot escape his destiny without consequences. Cain tells Elias by participating in the Trials, he will be able to sever his bonds with the Empire forever...