Page 18 of Axis of Fire

Loud.

Threatening.

Instinctively, I pressed closer to his chest.

He let out a heavy sigh.

“Jack, what did I tell you about using your abilities outside designated training areas?”

Santa’s voice turned sharp—

suddenly commanding.

I quickly pulled away from Airis, ignoring the fact that I was still in his arms.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Shiford. I’m still learning to control sudden surges of lightning,” the boy replied.

At that, I turned sharply toward the two of them.

My eyes immediately caught on their clothes.

Dark blue jackets.

Different cuts.

Same color.

Same brooches.

They looked... like something out of a teen drama.

Then the words sank in.

Lightning.

I didn’t imagine that, did I?

“Oh. Finally catching up?” a voice murmured near my ear.

I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.

“Is that even possible?” I whispered, my eyes still fixed on the boys in uniform.

Deep down, I wanted it to be magic.

That would at least make sense.

Under a clear sky.

“Jack, show her what you can do,” the tall man said without taking his eyes off me.

Mr. Shiford looked like he wanted to protest, but after being ignored, he sighed heavily.

“Go on, Jack.”

The boy shifted into position.

Feet shoulder-width apart.