Page 419 of Axis of Fire

Dwayne also wrote that justice had finally begun catching up with Ethan.

The police were investigating the case now.

Then my eyes fell on the next paragraph.

I found myself reading every single word with painful care.

I've also realized there's something growing between you and Airis that's far more than friendship... or mentorship. At least, judging by the way he looks at you.

I wanted nothing more than to have Dwayne sitting beside me.

To hear everything he'd noticed.

Every tiny detail.

He'd always seen things other people missed.

Romantic to the core.

Unfortunately...

The letter offered me no such luxury.

And if the two of you truly feel the same way... then I'm happier for you than I can put into words, Ri.

I'm proud to call you my friend.

I know you don't see yourself this way...

The words blurred as tears filled my eyes.

But to me, you've always been someone worth looking up to.

You always fought for what mattered to you.

You never backed down, no matter how frightened you were.

The only thing that ever stopped you was the pain left behind by that idiot whose name isn't worth writing.

Another tear slipped down my cheek.

But he didn't break you.

He didn't steal who you are.

Because courage isn't something you borrowed from the world.

It's who you've always been.

Sometimes fear locks it away...

But it can never erase it.

I pressed my lips together.

You're capable of loving.

And you deserve to be loved just as deeply.