Page 464 of Axis of Fire

"So fate sent you to me because I can't make sense of maps to save my life," Taylor said as he fell into step beside me.

Thankfully, the scorpion remained on the shoulder farthest from mine.

"Just try not to slow me down, darling." I winked as I picked up the pace, silently appreciating the outfit Madame Zhivorzhinette had chosen for my trial.

"Are we actually being timed?"

"Why not try to finish first?"

The truth was...

I just wanted to find Ria as quickly as possible.

Yes, we'd changed her dress.

But it hadn't made me feel any safer.

That strange, unsettling feeling still refused to let me go.

We reached Point B surprisingly quickly.

Honestly, it felt almost too easy.

Two transparent spheres floated in front of us, each hovering at eye level.

There were no instructions.

But somehow...

none seemed necessary.

The answer looked obvious.

I raised my hand, preparing to release a stream of magic toward the sphere in front of me.

Before I could, Taylor caught my wrist.

"Let's not make any sudden moves."

I frowned.

"Do you know what it's made of?"

"What difference does it make?" I asked. "We're obviously supposed to channel our magic into it."

The mental mage let out a long sigh.

"A specific amount of power," he said slowly, as if explaining something to a child, "aimed at a specific point."

A tiny part of my pride bristled.

I chose not to dwell on it.

"And what makes you think that?"

I looked back at the spheres.

They were completely empty.