Page 63 of Axis of Fire

“That’s impossible,” he replied.

Then, after a short pause:

“That’s why you want to go back to Vuduarus, isn’t it? To find out if you’re adopted?”

“Yes,” I said softly.

Our eyes met.

His—glowing faintly in the moonlight—looked even brighter now.

He turned toward me.

His gaze softened.

Dark hair streaked with lighter strands still stood in chaotic defiance, refusing to settle against the pillow—

whether because of his air magic

or an excessive amount of styling gel, I couldn’t tell.

Something about the moment made me speak.

“I also want to warn my friends that I’m okay... and that I’ll have to leave,” I added, thinking it through.

“I’ll be able to visit them, right?”

“Not in your first or second year,” he said.

I frowned.

“So students aren’t allowed to see their families?”

“They are. Once a year,” he nodded.

“But I doubt you’ll be granted access to Vuduarus once it becomes known your parents aren’t really yours.”

“I wasn’t planning to visit them anyway. But my friends are different. They’re my family.”

I tried to make my expression firm.

“You shouldn’t form close bonds with humans,” he said.

“Their lives are far too short for that.”

Something tightened in my throat.

A pause.

Light. Fragile.

“And how can you call someone family if you have to keep secrets from them?”

Another pause.

He watched me.

Waiting.