Page 141 of Axis of Fire

The question surprised even me.

Airis's room showed almost no signs of modern life.

“It does, but access is limited within the academy,” he replied, shifting into a more comfortable position against my bed. “You'll be able to charge your devices, but unlimited internet? Probably not. And you'd need a programmer to connect them to the Vuduarus network.”

I fell silent.

Should I bring my laptop with me?

It could become another anchor tying me to the human world.

To my old life.

After seeing my parents today, I felt more certain than ever that my real life hadn't begun until I met my friends.

“How are you feeling after the visit?” Airis asked quietly.

“I can't say I feel relieved,” I admitted after a few seconds. “Now I just have more questions. More confusion.”

I shrugged before meeting his gaze.

“I didn't expect you to lose control like that at the hospital.”

Truthfully, I was still shaken by it.

And I had no idea what to think.

“Dwayne and Mike told me about some of the things your parents did to you.”

I noticed his hands curl into fists as his gaze drifted away from mine.

As if he had stepped away from the invisible thread connecting us.

“I got angry,” he said quietly.

“Really fucking angry.”

His jaw tightened.

“And when I saw the way they treated you...” He exhaled sharply. “I snapped.”

For a moment, I didn't know how to react.

Or rather—

I was flattered.

Deeply.

Not many people had ever cared enough to be angry on my behalf.

“When did they even tell you all that?” I asked softly.

“While you and Gwendolyn were upstairs.”

Airis paused.

“I'm always cautious when it comes to new people entering my life, and this meeting wasn't an exception.”