Page 85 of Axis of Fire

hitting every other target.

Except mine.

Of course.

“Your turn.”

I exhaled, raising my hand.

A flame appeared—

twice the size of the previous one.

“Now separate it from yourself. Give it space. Let it exist near you—but not as part of you.”

“And how exactly am I supposed to do that?” Irritation crept into my voice.

I hated not understanding.

“Imagine it rising. Then give it a push—physically.”

I tried.

Visualized it.

The flame lifting.

Leaving my skin.

Nothing.

It didn’t move.

At all.

Why was it so easy when I was angry—

like it had a mind of its own—

but now, when I focused—

nothing?

“Focus.”

“It would’ve flown already if you pissed me off right now,” I muttered.

“Then you’ll remain a powerful mage with zero control,” he said calmly.

“You control the fire. Not the other way around.”

******

It felt like six hours had passed.

In reality—

only three.