Page 21 of Axis of Fire

I was sitting on one of the beds, exactly where Airis had left me before he and Eugene stepped away.

“Her hands are badly injured.”

“I can’t feel my legs either,” I added, realizing how abrupt that sounded.

“Nice to meet you.”

“You’re not from here?” Sulfur asked, stepping closer and focusing on my hands.

“She’s from Vuduarus,” Mr. Shiford answered for me.

I frowned.

Vuduarus?

I’d never even heard of a place like that in England.

“It’s difficult to explain, but... we’re not in England. Not even close,” he said, holding my gaze.

“Can you read minds?” I asked sharply, remembering how Airis had seemed to do the same.

“No,” Mr. Shiford replied with a soft sigh.

I didn’t believe him.

“It’s all written on your face.”

“Then where are we?” I asked, raising a brow and ignoring that.

“In Istarus. In a world of magic.”

I froze.

Something inside me tightened—

invisible hands, each named after a different emotion, closing around my throat.

“A world of magic…” I whispered, letting the words settle.

My eyes met Mr. Shiford’s.

“Then why the hell am I only hearing about this now?” My voice rose.

All these years, I thought nature had made a mistake when it created me.

But it turned out—

I had simply been born in the wrong place.

Or… not born there at all.

“Listen—” Mr. Shiford began, but I cut him off.

“I don’t want to listen. I want answers. Now.”

I ignored Sulfur’s hands as he continued working as if nothing was happening.

Mr. Shiford sighed.