Page 267 of Axis of Fire

Which meant I could flirt with him freely, without worrying he’d realize I meant every word.

“Obviously, Stasia.” Our eyes met.

“But first and foremost, I’d prefer you alive.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll do my best to survive,” I replied.

“Besides, it’s not like she’d attack me inside the academy, right?”

“She won’t,” Tarven agreed.

“But during unauthorized little trips to Magicslan? She might.”

His brown eyes held unmistakable disapproval.

As though we hadn’t already had this exact conversation five times.

Tarven had been furious after finding out I’d left the academy grounds without his permission.

He still thought I was weak.

Yes, my powers had only awakened about six months ago.

But Tarven had trained me the entire time.

Did he really doubt not only my abilities—

But his own as well?

“And what if I got myself a boyfriend?” I asked casually.

“Would these little trips suddenly seem less dangerous?”

“Stasia, what boyfriend?” Tarven frowned.

He didn’t sound jealous.

More like an overprotective older brother.

The kind I’d always dreamed of having.

“There’s a war with Moss coming,” he reminded me.

“You’re still not fully protected from Alicia, and you’re seriously thinking about your love life right now?”

The disapproval in his eyes only deepened.

I simply shrugged.

“And why not?”

Tarven let out a heavy sigh.

“You know, I swear you become more unbearable every year.”

“I do my best for you, Representative of Vuduarus,” I said with a smile.

Gradually, the tension left his body.