Page 359 of Axis of Fire

Nothing came.

I felt absolutely nothing.

Chapter 36

Whispers spread through the open arena at lightning speed.

I was mortified.

And terrified.

What if the same thing happened during the Selection trials?

When real danger threatened me—

Or someone else.

“Well, it's still better than that uncontrollable cage of fire we witnessed the first time we met,” Eugene said, surprisingly loud and clear.

I turned, wanting to meet his gaze.

But he wasn't looking at me.

“I agree,” Mr. Shiford said with a nod.

Were they actually trying to defend me right now?

That somehow felt even more humiliating.

“Alright, Illariana. You can return to the stands for now,” Draksen Ardevayne said, his tone impossible for me to read.

I obeyed immediately.

The last thing I wanted was to remain the center of attention any longer.

“Let's take a look at how shadows interact with density magic, then,” I heard someone say behind me.

Keeping my eyes lowered, I walked past the other recruits before sinking into my seat.

“How exactly would you like me to support you?” Stasia asked, leaning closer. “I could poison everyone here.”

With a sigh, I shook my head and turned my attention back to the arena.

To Kaeron.

And to the shadow mage standing beside him.

At first glance, she didn't look anything like someone who wielded shadow magic.

She was tall, with graceful curves and golden curls cascading over her shoulders.

Her large yellow irises didn't immediately draw attention.

But once you noticed them—

It felt as though you were looking at something entirely unfamiliar.

Something not quite human.