Page 510 of Axis of Fire

Without realizing it, I tightened my grip around Stacia's hand.

She hadn't let go of me since we'd arrived.

And somehow...

that was the only thing keeping me together.

Airis's gaze was another distraction.

Ever since I'd returned, his eyes had stayed fixed on me, refusing to look away.

I didn't want to see him.

I didn't want to talk to him.

And I was grateful my friends had instinctively gathered around me, leaving him no chance to get close.

"If he were a fire mage, he'd have burned a hole straight through you by now," Stacia whispered after noticing where my eyes had wandered for a split second.

I said nothing.

I was still angry with him.

"He was terrified while he watched you fight that demon."

"He wasn't the only one," I muttered.

I was about to change the subject when a burst of laughter rippled through the crowd.

My whole body tensed.

What the hell were they laughing at?

Then I looked toward Mr. Shiford.

He was standing onstage, sharing amusing stories about Seris.

The audience laughed.

The musicians shifted into a brighter, livelier melody.

To my complete disbelief...

people began to dance.

"What the hell is going on?" I asked my friends, who were smiling and laughing along with everyone else.

"Have you all lost your minds? Someone just died."

I lowered my voice for the last sentence.

Before I could even process what was happening, someone grabbed both my hands and pulled me into the growing circle of dancers.

Tripping over my own feet, I clung tightly to Stacia.

"What's happening?" I asked again, looking at her in utter disbelief.

She stared back at me with equal confusion.