Page 35 of Axis of Fire

“You’re not from here, are you?”

I shook my head.

“And you don’t know about the other worlds?”

“How many?” I asked quietly.

“Twelve.”

I swallowed.

“I only know about Istarus and Vuduarus.”

Then I hesitated.

“This Mataarus... what is it?”

“The world of death,” Louise said simply.

Well.

That... actually made sense.

“The world of death,” Aars repeated proudly, flapping his wings.

“And I, by the way, am from there. Fortunately, I’m stuck here.”

“Fortunately?” I asked—

just as a knock sounded at the door.

I flinched.

“You talking to yourself in there?” Airis’s voice came from outside.

“Oh, look at him—already listening,” Aars scoffed, flying toward the door and shaking a tiny fist at it.

“I’ll find out all your secrets, you idiot.”

“Don’t tell him about your ability,” Louise said quietly.

“Yes, I’m talking to myself. That happens,” I said, annoyed.

“And I’d appreciate it if you stopped listening.”

“And I’d appreciate it if you came out so we can start your lessons,” Airis shot back.

“At night?” I asked.

“Want me to come in and dress you myself, Fireling?”

His voice dropped—

low, velvety.

A shiver ran through me.

“Just say the word...”