Page 435 of Axis of Fire

On my way back from Draksen's office, I couldn't stop replaying our conversation.

"I know how I must look," I'd said, struggling to keep my voice steady. "I know I probably seem insufferable."

I lowered my eyes.

"But I can't ignore the rules."

I'd been raised differently.

I couldn't simply bend whenever it was convenient.

Draksen sighed.

"There are no rules prohibiting relationships between members of the Strongest Twelve and students," he said. "Especially not where Airis Kairos is concerned."

I frowned, folding my arms across my chest.

"But that doesn't make it right."

"What about an unplanned pregnancy?" I insisted. "What about heartbreak?"

He didn't even bother hiding the skepticism in his eyes.

"I'll write you a referral to one of our healers," he said dryly, reaching for the stack of forms on his desk. "They can explain contraception in great detail."

Heat rushed to my face.

"I already know all of that," I blurted out.

"I'm quite certain Airis and Illariana do too."

His tone remained maddeningly calm.

"Then what about a broken heart?" I pressed. "What if Illariana loses control of her magic? What if she destroys half of Istmond?"

"The academy's wards are more than capable of handling that."

My hands tightened into fists beneath the desk.

"Even so..."

I lifted my chin.

"I still believe there should be rules."

A faint smile touched Draksen's lips.

"Then perhaps after you graduate, you'll come back to Istmond and become the person who writes them."

He leaned back in his chair.

"Until then..."

"I'd suggest focusing on your studies."

The conversation refused to leave my mind.

And it certainly didn't help when, on my way to the lake...