Page 387 of Axis of Fire

Instinctively, my fingers tightened around his hand.

"It's alright, Fireling."

His voice returned as the ringing faded.

"I have to admit..."

"I rather enjoyed being your lifeline."

"Only in your dreams," I shot back.

Airis stepped back, lowering his hand from my eyes.

Thousands of lanterns illuminated the broad streets before us.

Soft pink rose petals blanketed the pavement, stretching as far as I could see.

"Where are we?" I asked, slowly turning in place.

I didn't recognize this part of the city.

Every window in the row of quaint houses had been painted with intricate designs, glowing beneath the warm light of countless lanterns.

"Magicslan," Airis answered. "The quietest district tonight."

He slipped his hands into his pockets as he looked down the flower-covered street.

"Today is the capital's anniversary. Every district is covered in roses, and every family decorates its windows with enchanted paints."

He glanced toward one of the nearby houses.

"At sunrise, the drawings disappear... and the wishes hidden inside them are offered to the people who painted them."

My gaze immediately drifted to the nearest house.

Three windows.

Three different drawings.

The first was covered in intertwined hearts and the symbol of infinity.

The second showed flowers sprouting from the earth.

The third...

...depicted a Beckbill.

"So..." I pointed to the last window.

"They're going to wake up to a Beckbill tomorrow morning?"

Airis chuckled quietly.

"My guess is that one was painted by a child."

He shrugged.

"The parents probably already have the present hidden somewhere."