head in confusion. "Evans does those patrols only a few times a week and in shifts so that no group goes more than twice a week at most. The distance they travel wouldn’t allow it anyway—at least not by foot." "I have been going by myself." Axel blinked. Then gaped. That was how Rayner built up a resistance to mana exhaustion. "Am I hearing you right you dumb fuck? You trying to die, huh?" Anger flashed across Rayner’s face. "I’m fine. Those families you left behind, not so much." It had little to do with what they discussed. The comment was fired to wound, and it lodged deep. Axel’s face contorted in a jumble of emotions before settling on a blank stare. Axel could see Rayner wanted to apologize, but he held his tongue. Pride silenced