Page 436 of Axis of Fire

I saw Airis kissing Ria beside the Temple of Nereida.

Something twisted painfully inside me.

I didn't even fully understand why.

Or maybe...

I simply refused to admit that everything I'd planned was slowly falling apart.

Romance.

Feelings.

Boys.

Girls.

None of it ever ended well.

It only distracted people from what truly mattered.

Lost in my thoughts, I walked straight into someone.

I stumbled back.

Eugene stared down at me with obvious irritation.

"Watch where you're going, Miss Elern."

He stepped aside, intending to continue on his way.

Before I could stop myself, the words escaped.

"Is it really appropriate for a mentor to be romantically involved with one of his students?"

Eugene stopped.

Slowly...

He turned around.

His brows drew together.

"Who?"

"Illariana and Airis."

My voice sounded much steadier than I felt.

He didn't say a word.

He simply turned and walked away.

I watched him disappear down the path.

"Please..." I called after him.

"Don't tell them it was me."