Page 401 of Axis of Fire

For several seconds, my mind went completely blank.

"So that's what you're saying?"

I looked him straight in the eyes.

"That I'm not good enough for someone like Miloran..."

"...or someone like you?"

Anger rose slowly inside me.

Not all at once.

It settled with deliberate calm.

"That's not what I meant—"

"Stop."

I raised my hand before he could finish.

"You said exactly what you wanted to say."

"And I heard you perfectly."

I turned sharply.

"Have a wonderful evening."

"Stasia—"

I kept walking.

"Damn it."

His curse reached me just as I heard something rustle behind me.

I turned.

A tiny sprout pushed its way through the earth.

Its petals unfolded one by one, glowing a vivid shade of blue.

Even its roots shimmered with the same luminous color.

A Slizyrius.

The flower of new beginnings.

The one Tarven and his squad used to communicate back in Vuduarus.

Tarven's expression changed instantly.

The warmth disappeared from his face, replaced by the calm authority of a commander.

"Miloran."

His voice became sharp.