Page 405 of Axis of Fire

I flinched, reality crashing back around us.

Without hesitation, Airis slipped his jacket over my bare shoulders and gently pulled the bodice of my dress back into place.

"But there's a problem in Vuduarus."

My heart skipped a beat.

"We need to leave."

Tarven.

Chapter 40

As we followed Joelle toward what everyone referred to as the Wardrobe Hall, my mind refused to let go of everything that could have happened in Vuduarus.

With every step, I imagined another disaster.

Each one worse than the last.

The thoughts wouldn't let me sleep.

Wouldn't let me focus on anything else.

"So you're all aware," Joelle said over her shoulder, "first-years have never been allowed to leave Istmond during Selection preparation."

"If anyone finds out about this little trip..."

Her lips curled into a dry smile.

"...I'll be the one taking the blame."

I let out a slow breath, forcing myself to stop spiraling.

Instead, I focused on the people around me.

And almost immediately, I noticed how different everyone seemed this morning.

Gianna had been unusually quiet since breakfast.

She looked offended by something but hadn't said a single word about it.

Stasia, on the other hand, appeared perfectly composed.

Although after Airis and Tarven had left last night, I'd had the distinct impression she'd wanted to tell me something.

Aars wasn't hovering nearby today.

Neither were Mortz and Luis.

In fact, I hadn't seen either of them for several days.

"As far as I know," Stasia said, pulling me from my thoughts, "quite a few people made it to the festival yesterday."

"Not me," Gianna replied softly.

The disappointment in her voice was impossible to miss.

For a moment, it almost felt deliberate.