Page 237 of Axis of Fire

I listened without interrupting.

“The circle of twelve rulers is known as the Novers,” she continued.

“And they’re among Isthmond’s primary sponsors.”

That didn’t sound like someone talking about leaders she trusted.

Then again...

How many people were ever truly satisfied with those in power?

There were always disagreements.

I decided to steer the conversation in a different direction.

“Why are you so sure Tarven would tell them?”

“Because he’s righteous to his core.”

The heaviness in her sigh made it obvious she wasn’t particularly fond of that trait.

“And every member of the Strongest Twelve works closely with the Novers.”

“Complete trust.”

“Complete honesty.”

“Complete loyalty.”

“They aren’t allowed to keep secrets.”

“And you really think every single one of them follows that rule?” I asked.

I was curious.

Especially because Stasia’s words aligned almost perfectly with what the spirits had told me.

“I think most of them do,” she answered quietly.

“Who wouldn’t want to matter to the people who control almost everything in this world?”

I didn’t respond.

The subject felt dangerous.

As though there were an invisible line running beneath our conversation...

And I wasn’t ready to cross it yet.

“How does your second power work?” Stasia asked suddenly.

I frowned for a moment, not understanding what she meant.

But when I met her gaze, I answered honestly.

“Through communication.”

“The dead are surprisingly talkative.”