Page 503 of Axis of Fire

A weak.

Uneven.

Heartbeat.

"He's alive," Azalia breathed, a radiant smile spreading across her face, dimples appearing in her cheeks.

And somehow, her smile was contagious.

A heartbeat later, the demon's body erupted in a blinding flash of light.

Azalia's map let out a sharp chirp.

She hurriedly pulled it from her pocket and unfolded it.

Trial Complete. The exit lies through the portal.

None of us needed to say a word.

Taylor and Rosalie were already beside me, and together the four of us lifted Aaron's unconscious body and carried him toward the portal.

"Rosalie! Stacia!"

I hadn't even opened my eyes before I heard Tarven's voice.

The moment the healers took Aaron from our arms, Tarven pulled both Rosalie and me into a fierce embrace.

"I was worried sick about you." He exhaled heavily. "No... we all were."

For just a second, I allowed myself to relax in his arms, letting the tension I'd been carrying finally slip away.

I couldn't believe it was over.

"And do you have any idea how terrified we were?" Rosalie began, wrapping herself even tighter around her brother.

I quietly stepped back, giving her all the time she wanted with him.

It looked as though we had been the last to return.

Most of the first-years were already here.

The healers hurried Aaron away, with Taylor limping after them.

I started to follow—

but another scene caught my attention.

At the center of the gathering, in front of one of the massive screens, stood Airis and Miloran.

Opposite them were Dilraba, Cosmei, and Kharma.

All members of the Strongest Twelve.

Miloran was gesturing wildly, just as furiously as Kharma.

Dilraba seemed to be reporting something to an enraged Airis, while Cosmei stood silently, watching the exchange unfold.

I immediately headed toward them, searching for Ria.