Page 415 of Axis of Fire

Of course she did.

Another Shadow mage would hardly find them frightening.

"Would you like to dance with me instead?"

I turned.

Seris was standing beside me, smiling warmly, his hands tucked into his pockets.

"Of course."

I nodded, silently relieved.

The partners were assigned quickly.

Stasia with Kaeron.

Azalia with Taylor.

Pria with Aaron.

Gianna and Loretta received the shadow partners.

Loretta looked delighted.

Gianna...

Not so much.

Her hands trembled ever so slightly.

After a brief demonstration from the serpent couple—whose very existence I still hadn't fully processed—we took our positions.

Seris took my hand.

His other settled lightly against my waist.

And instantly...

My mind betrayed me.

Airis.

I remembered dancing with him in the Chamber of Threads.

Remembered how naturally he'd held me.

How warm his embrace had been.

Compared to that, Seris felt almost painfully careful.

Awkward.

Far too serious.

His attention remained fixed on our feet as he listened to Suar's instructions, while Sabina occasionally added a correction.

Even the way they spoke...