Page 307 of Axis of Fire

“You'll see me as even more pathetic than you already do.”

I bit the inside of my lip, trying to steady myself.

“I have never seen you as pathetic.”

His voice was calm.

Certain.

Unshakable.

“I respect you.

That is one thing I have never questioned.”

I stayed silent.

Still hesitating.

God...

I was such a coward.

When had his opinion of me started mattering this much?

“Ria,” Airis whispered softly.

His fingers tightened just slightly against my shoulder.

After one more moment of hesitation...

I finally surrendered.

And read Ruël's words aloud.

Each sentence felt like a piece of my soul breaking free.

Yet breathing didn't become any easier.

I waited for Airis's reaction.

He didn't answer immediately.

The silence only tightened the knot inside my chest.

Then...

He spoke.

He began to recite:

“Neither dreamer nor warrior—

that is all I have ever been.

For the mask of cowardice

stole every fragment of potential