Page 303 of Axis of Fire

“Why is this one among your favorites?” I finally asked.

“And why is every installation here so... complicated?”

Only then did I realize how close we were standing.

Somewhere along the way...

Our fingers had intertwined.

But when the contact disappeared...

It didn't make me feel any better.

“This installation is called The True One.”

I stayed silent, listening carefully.

“All the mirrors are connected to a single projection containing Ruël’s poems and quotations.

Each sphere on the floor represents a different emotion or state of the soul.”

“For example?” I interrupted, lowering my gaze toward the glowing circles beneath us.

Only then did I notice that every sphere bore a zodiac symbol.

“What does Leo represent?”

“Pride,” he answered.

“Along with self-worth and the desire for recognition.”

“Interesting…”

“And how do you actually see one of Ruël’s quotes?”

“The quotes choose you.”

His answers remained frustratingly brief.

As always, he allowed silence to settle before continuing.

“All you have to do is stand in the center.

The sphere drawn to you will illuminate.

Then, when you look into its mirror...

The words will appear.”

“And you'll see the same ones?” I glanced back at him.

“Only my own,” Airis replied, taking a step backward.

Giving me the center.

“It's rare for two people to receive the same words at the same time.”

I turned back toward the star engraved into the floor.