Page 119 of Axis of Fire

“Every squad has four members who specialize in transfer magic,” Airis answered.

“And there’s a shield stretched across the sky,” Bax added. “It tracks concentrated magical activity.”

“They’re not always reliable, unfortunately,” Lars shrugged. “Sometimes they miss magical traces entirely.”

“We’re still improving the system,” Airis said.

“Maintaining something that massive isn’t easy,” Bax added. “Especially after repeated magical eruptions aimed at weakening the shield.”

“At least they’ve become less frequent.”

“But that’s probably not a good sign.” Airis crossed his arms over his chest. “It only means Vuduarus isn’t his primary target.”

Was I really relieved to hear that?

Knowing my friends might stay safe a little longer?

“You’re planning to stay in Manchester for all three days?” Airis finally looked at me.

I nodded.

“But honestly, feel free to take Airis if you need him,” I said, remembering how determined he’d been to meet my friends. “Actually, even if you don’t need him, you can still take him.”

“You can’t be left unguarded,” Airis replied immediately.

“Of course,” I muttered. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll contact my boss the second you leave.”

******

An hour later, Airis and I pulled up in front of my parents’ house.

As it turned out, Lars and Bax had arranged a car for us before returning to their post.

I stared at the large two-story mansion surrounded by ornate golden iron gates and swallowed hard.

Last night, I’d tried to prepare myself for this conversation—tried to imagine what I should ask my parents, what I should say.

But standing here now, my mind went completely blank.

“So?” Airis stopped beside me. “Are you going in, or are we planning to stand here all day?”

“You should probably prepare yourself for a little cardio too.”

He shot me a questioning look.

“A year and a half ago, I threw my house keys into the ocean.”

“Then we’ll manage without them.”

Airis stepped up to the gate and raised a hand.

A second later, a metallic click echoed through the quiet.

“How did you do that?” I asked, following him through the gates and onto the property.

“Telekinesis,” Airis answered simply. “You’ll probably study it in your second semester.”

Cool.