Page 88 of Axis of Fire

“So what does natal astrology have to do with this?”

“Noveris was built according to the structure of a natal chart. The twelve realms represent the twelve astrological houses, the zodiac signs, and their connection to the elements.”

A pause.

“And how exactly am I supposed to use that in practice?”

“By paying attention to the light and dark traits of each realm—and the zodiac signs connected to them when you encounter them during the Selection.”

I stayed silent, and Airis apparently took it as a sign to continue.

“The Selection isn’t just a symbol of hope for the twelve realms. It’s also a way of honoring each realm and maintaining harmony between them.”

“For example?” I asked, quickening my pace until I was finally walking beside him.

I was done trailing behind him.

I wanted to feel equal.

“I’ll tell you about three important aspects. The rest—Draxsen will explain during the Selection preparations.”

I nodded.

“To honor the first realm, Saquararus, which stands in the First House under Aries, the Selection begins with competitions. Aries needs to win. To prove itself. To be the best. To feel the thrill of it.”

I exhaled sharply, then grimaced.

It suddenly felt like I’d been thrown into the last pages of some women’s magazine filled with zodiac predictions.

And yet...

This was also connected to the Selection.

Which meant I had to listen carefully.

“And then?”

He paused.

Like he was deciding whether I even needed to know this.

And that irritated me.

Because it proved he still didn’t trust me.

“The worst part belongs to the realm of death—Mataarus, which stands under Scorpio,” he said slowly.

“Every year, participants face the Oracle of Truth. It pulls the strongest emotional memory from your mind and projects it for everyone to see.”

My brows shot up at that, and I stumbled unexpectedly.

Another second and I would’ve fallen face-first into a pile of branches if Airis’s strong arms hadn’t caught me.

“Do I seriously need to hold your hand, Fireling?”

His rough voice brushed against my ear.

“If you wanted to be closer to me, you could’ve just asked instead of throwing yourself at my feet.”