Page 82 of Axis of Fire

“I was hysterical,” I said quietly.

“She had to take control. Snow. Breathing exercises. That’s how we put the fire out. Meanwhile, Mike and Dwayne dealt with the bed and Kevin.”

The flame flared again.

I clenched my fist and extinguished it.

“I’m hopeless,” I said, looking at Airis—

only then realizing the tears in my eyes were gone.

I hadn’t even noticed when they disappeared.

He was watching me.

No irritation.

No pity.

Nothing I expected.

Just seriousness.

And something softer beneath it.

“This still brings up mixed feelings for me too,” he said.

“Even after years of training.”

A pause.

“But you didn’t lose yourself.”

He held my gaze.

“It wasn’t stable. But it didn’t destroy anything. Not this time.”

“Thanks for the encouragement,” I said dryly.

“But don’t treat me like a child who should be forgiven for everything.”

I frowned.

“And don’t downplay your own progress just to make me feel better.”

“Who said I was trying to comfort you?” he raised an eyebrow.

“You,” I shot back.

“When you said you still struggle with your own story.”

I held his gaze, letting the accusation linger.

But instead of reacting—

Airis lifted his hand.

A miniature vortex formed in his palm.