Page 502 of Axis of Fire

Sharper.

More frantic.

But nothing around us changed.

We couldn't see what was happening.

We had no idea what he was doing.

And that uncertainty was terrifying.

"Is it working?" Azalia asked quietly.

Then a thin blue vein appeared beneath the demon's pale, almost translucent skin.

A red one followed.

Then green.

Then orange.

They spread through its body like living veins, pulsing beneath the surface.

A moment later, they collided.

And for the first time—

the demon screamed.

Its body doubled over in agony.

I clenched my fists, a flicker of frustration rising inside me.

I hated that I had to rely on Taylor.

For once, there was absolutely nothing I could do.

And despite always having people willing to help me, I'd spent my entire life relying only on myself.

My gaze shifted to Aaron.

Before I realized it, my feet were already carrying me toward him.

"Stacia," Azalia called, hurrying after me. "What are you doing?"

I knelt beside his body and gently took hold of his twisted hand, searching for a pulse.

"Magic dies with the mage."

The words echoed in my mind.

There was nothing beneath my fingertips.

I moved my fingers higher, already preparing myself to accept the obvious.

Then—

I felt it.