Page 46 of Axis of Fire

Once inside, I made an unpleasant sound—to make it convincing—turned on the faucet, and waited.

Aars appeared almost instantly.

“What, did someone poison you already?” he asked, giving me an annoyed look.

“What the hell are you doing stuffing my head with all those facts about the creators?” I crossed my arms.

Aars’s eyes widened—

then narrowed sharply, like a predator sizing up its prey.

“For your information, those beings are still alive in Noveris!” he snapped, planting his tiny paws on his hips.

“And since you’re apparently some kind of Vuduarus-born outsider, you need to understand all the details.”

I exhaled, pinching the bridge of my nose, trying to calm down.

At first, it seemed like he hadn’t accepted me at all.

And now he was helping me—

without even being asked.

I’d snapped again.

Like always.

That damn part of me.

“Sorry,” I said, lowering my hand and looking at him.

“It’s just... a lot of information at once.”

I hesitated.

“I’m trying to at least remember what Airis is saying. I really don’t want to embarrass myself in front of him. You get that?”

Aars looked away, thinking.

“You’re unlikely to find any dirt here to fall into...” he muttered.

I slapped my forehead.

Right.

Of course he wouldn’t understand the expression.

Especially considering most spirits I’d seen back home weren’t exactly... modern.

“It’s just a saying,” I sighed, already mentally thanking whatever patience I had left.

“I don’t want to look stupid in front of him. I don’t want him thinking I’m an idiot who can’t even remember a few worlds.”

“Aaaah. Got it,” Aars nodded.

Then narrowed his eyes again, raising one paw.

“But you’re still getting the full lecture about the creators.”