Page 42 of Axis of Fire

“The weakest one,” he said without hesitation.

I exhaled, silently praying he didn’t mean Vuduarus.

If “cleansing” meant killing—

“But we’re doing everything we can to protect the weaker worlds.”

“Do you personally take responsibility for that?” I asked, meeting his eyes.

“I’m the chief lieutenant of the unit in Vuduarus,” he said, as though that alone proved everything.

“And I don’t make mistakes, Fireling.”

I exhaled again, trying to shake off the tension in my body.

I didn’t want to believe a war was coming.

And that I wouldn’t be strong enough to help.

I wouldn’t forgive myself if I lost Gwendolyn, Mike, or Dwayne.

I needed a distraction.

“I’ve heard about the twelve worlds a few times now. Why only twelve?”

“Because there were twelve energies that created them.”

I looked at him, confused.

“Our universe is called Noveris,” Airis began, leaning back in his chair—as if trying to shake off the weight of the previous topic.

“It was created by Arus and twelve energies, each tied to a different element.”

“Arus is seen as a god here,” a familiar voice cut in.

Aars.

He appeared behind Airis, crossing his tiny arms.

“Though no one actually knows what kind of being he was.”

“Each world carries part of his name—like Istarus, Vuduarus.”

“And the second part?” I asked.

“Depends on the world,” Airis shrugged—

earning a sharp glare from Aars.

The small dragon-cat flew closer to him, clearly annoyed.

“With explanations like that, they might as well have given you mice to mentor. Same level.”

I bit back a laugh.

Good thing Airis couldn’t hear him.

Bad thing I could.