Page 380 of Axis of Fire

His golden eyes swept across each of us in turn.

“Which means you'll first complete a condensed survival course. If you're lucky, it may save your life when your magic can't.”

He paused.

“Or when using it becomes your greatest mistake.”

“I thought every trial was designed to test our abilities,” Azalia said.

As a mermaid hybrid, she could assume a completely human form.

To be honest, I'd never heard of a mermaid making it into the Strongest Class before.

And I'd been following the Selection since I was eight.

“The Selection exists, first and foremost, to honor each of the Twelve Worlds,” the djinn replied.

“And not every one of them cares about your magic.”

“I think this course is a waste of time—for me, at least.”

Pria Haradas folded her arms with unmistakable confidence.

“I have perfect control over my abilities. I don't need a backup plan.”

The djinn merely smiled.

“And what if one of the trials takes your magic away?”

“That has never happened before,” Pria shot back.

“And it wouldn't even make sense.”

She absently twirled a long strand of violet hair around one finger.

“The Selection is supposed to reassure the people of Noveris that they're protected. Every year, stronger mages are born. Every generation surpasses the last.”

“Perhaps.”

The djinn's golden eyes gleamed with quiet amusement.

“But the Novers have never taken part in designing the Selection before.”

Silence settled over the room.

“You know something, don't you?” I asked before I could stop myself.

The words had already slipped out.

The djinn's smile widened.

But he never answered.

Maybe...

That was answer enough.

Illariana Arden’s POV