Page 78 of Axis of Fire

And that irritated me.

More than it should have.

“They even signed me up for private piano lessons, art classes... and Gwendolyn started teaching me how to shoot, so I could improve my precision and accuracy.”

Airis raised a brow, watching me.

“I know the first two sound ridiculous, but... they actually helped,” I said, wrapping my arms around myself as if searching for something to hold on to.

He kept looking at me.

With a gaze I couldn’t read.

“It really works,” I added, frowning.

“I know,” Airis said.

“The academy has dedicated hours for piano and painting.”

I froze, staring at him in disbelief.

Was he mocking me again?

“I just don’t understand how your human friends came up with that.”

Ah.

So he was serious.

I shrugged.

“They’re smart. What else can I say?”

“Then we test your control. Through your emotions—and your control over them,” Airis said with a faint smirk.

I immediately raised a hand in front of me.

“Don’t even think about playing your little proximity games.”

My gaze locked onto him, dead serious.

“Better make me angry than try anything else.”

“Fine, Fireling,” he nodded.

“And I doubt anyone at the Selection will try to seduce you anyway.”

I raised a brow.

“Oh? And why’s that? Because you don’t think I’m attractive enough?”

“I only see a mage,” he replied calmly.

“I don’t pay attention to appearances.”

Oh.

So that’s how it is.