Page 260 of Axis of Fire

“Why aren’t you getting ready?” Stasia asked.

Raising my hand so she could see the bracelet, I replied,

“What’s the point of seeing him if I can’t even use magic right now?”

“I don’t know.”

“Maybe start another verbal war?” Stasia smirked.

“I’ve had enough battles for one day,” I cut her off.

“Just tell Airis that I’m...” I paused, thinking.

“Asleep, maybe.”

“You do realize how childish that sounds, right?” she asked, raising a brow as she tied her hair into a high ponytail.

“Not at all,” I replied, glancing toward the shelves where I’d arranged several books I'd brought from Vuduarus.

“Besides, I’ve been meaning to read them for a while.”

“I’ll pretend I believe you.” Stasia’s grin widened as she headed toward the door.

“Or maybe you just want to talk to your spirit friends.”

“They’re not here right now,” I said with a nod.

“But that’s an option too.”

“Have fun.”

I smiled.

And, surprisingly, it was genuine.

“You too.”

Once the door closed behind her, I stretched out across the bed and stared at the ceiling.

It would be better to see Airis tomorrow.

Or the day after.

Or when they finally removed these bracelets.

There was no point in seeing him now.

I couldn’t use magic.

And that was the entire reason we’d been paired together.

We weren’t friends.

Just a student and her mentor.

Maybe it was better if things stayed that way.

Even if something inside me twisted painfully at the thought.