Page 423 of Axis of Fire

The anxiety must have been written all over my face because Stasia immediately leaned toward me.

"You've got this."

"Your connection with your magic has improved."

"You've been doing really well during training," Gianna added with an encouraging smile.

"And you actually slept last night."

"You're rested."

I let out a slow breath, silently praying they were right.

My legs suddenly felt twice as heavy as I made my way toward the center of the arena.

I tried not to think about the dozens of eyes following my every step.

At least I didn't have to demonstrate power.

Only control.

But how was I supposed to control something that might disappear the moment I reached for it?

Maybe...

I needed to stop thinking.

To stop sabotaging myself before I'd even begun.

As I passed the third row, my eyes briefly met Pria's.

For just a heartbeat...

I thought I saw the faintest smile.

A supportive one.

I drew another deep breath.

Somehow, stepping forward for the second time felt even harder than the first.

Knowing people believed in me...

Felt strangely like pressure.

I hated the thought of disappointing them.

"Looks like I arrived just in time."

The familiar voice sent a shiver racing across my skin.

My head snapped up.

Airis.

He offered me a quiet smile as he walked toward the spot directly opposite me.

The entire arena seemed to fall silent.