Page 240 of Axis of Fire

“You became my responsibility far too quickly,” Airis said, clicking his tongue softly as he continued studying the irritated marks on my face.

“Then I should probably mention I wasn’t exactly trying,” I replied, attempting to regain control of myself.

He stepped closer.

Looking at me more carefully now.

At first, I thought he was examining the scratches.

But no—

“New earrings?” he asked, moving even closer as though trying to get a better look.

I instinctively took a step back.

“What makes you think that?”

Mike always insisted men never noticed things like that.

Especially piercings.

“I’ve watched you fall asleep and wake up every day for the past few days,” Airis replied.

The teasing tone was gone now.

“You think I wouldn’t memorize every detail?”

“Every detail?” I asked carefully.

I should’ve changed the subject.

What if Airis could tell which kind of magic each stone belonged to?

Then again...

Stasia had said he and Tarven weren’t superstitious at all.

“Every detail,” he repeated.

“At least the ones you’ve chosen to show me.”

“Don’t you think I should probably treat these injuries first?” I asked.

“What if my perfect face ends up scarred?”

I wanted to know whether that word had been real—

Or just another product of my imagination.

But Airis never looked away.

Chapter 24

“So? Did you enjoy wandering around Magicslan without my permission?”

It was the first thing I heard after washing up, getting dressed, and getting ready to leave the room.

“When exactly did Tarven manage to complain to you?” I asked as I stepped through the doorway he was holding open for me.