Page 242 of Axis of Fire

“Or do you already have plans?”

Only then did I realize he had been standing beside her the entire time.

His dark green suit contrasted surprisingly well with his tanned skin and the muted tones of the corridor walls.

“Of course,” Airis answered before I could, clearly choosing the first option.

“I’d actually love to hear more about your little trip to Magicslan.”

The irony in his voice was unmistakable.

Naturally, Stasia already had a response prepared.

“Oh?”

She smiled sweetly.

“Want to experience the shame of being a terrible mentor firsthand?”

She was especially dangerous today.

“What are you talking about?”

“Ria’s from Vuduarus,” Stasia replied.

“She knows practically nothing about Noveris or Istarus.”

“At least she didn’t.”

Her eyes flicked toward me for a moment.

“And instead of showing her the world, you locked her inside four walls with endless lectures.”

I glanced at Airis.

His hands had clenched ever so slightly.

His jaw was tense.

He didn’t answer right away.

God.

Did she actually manage to make him feel guilty?

And worse...

He was letting her.

“Training took up most of the time,” I said with a small shrug.

I had no idea why I was defending him.

“Can we please just go to the dining hall already?” Tarven cut in.

“I’m starving.”

Resting a hand briefly on Stasia’s shoulder, he guided her toward the stairs.