Page 424 of Axis of Fire

I could almost feel the confusion spreading through the room.

Along with the admiration reflected on so many faces.

Including my own.

My eyes instinctively swept over him.

Checking.

Making sure he was all right.

My heart wanted to sing with relief.

My mind wrapped iron chains around it.

For the first time in a long while, they actually agreed.

But they needed calm.

Something my hopelessly emotional heart had never quite understood.

I took another breath.

This time, I didn't hesitate.

I reached for my magic.

Instead of feeling it awaken in my hands...

I felt it stir inside my heart.

A single pulse.

Warm.

Alive.

It flowed through my chest...

Down my arms...

Into my palms.

It felt...

Happy.

As though my magic was just as glad to find me as I was to find it.

For the first time...

our connection felt effortless.

Whole.

Stronger than it had ever been.

A tiny flame bloomed in the center of my palm.