Page 224 of Axis of Fire

“An ancient voice should awaken and greet the bloodline that summoned it.”

“And the danger?” I asked immediately.

“The Archives lie beneath Lake Saveki.”

He began counting on his claws.

“You could drown.”

“Get eaten by a monster.”

“Accidentally wander into the wrong section and end up in a Mataarus prison.”

“Or—”

“That’s enough.”

I cut him off quickly.

“We need another plan.”

“You shouldn’t be afraid,” Luis said gently.

“Magic always comes from somewhere.”

“It’s usually inherited through bloodlines,” Mortz explained.

“There’s no way you aren’t connected to Mataarus by blood.”

But somehow, his words didn’t reassure me at all.

“I thought maybe Stasia’s ability could help,” I admitted.

“I haven’t asked her yet, but I think she’d agree.”

“Personally, I still vote for Lake Saveki,” Aars argued.

“No, thanks,” I muttered through clenched teeth.

I was fully convinced that place would somehow find a way to make sure I either drowned or ended up in prison.

“I think we can continue this discussion later,” Mortz said, meeting my gaze.

“Right now, you need some sleep.”

“I’ve seen how brutal Tarven’s training sessions can be.”

“And considering how furious he was when he found out where you’d gone,” Luis added, “don’t expect any mercy.”

“So why exactly did you warn her?” Aars scoffed.

Did I really want to visit Mataarus with him that badly?

Maybe Stasia had foreseen what would happen...

And stopped me for a reason.

Without another word, the spirits vanished.