Page 9 of Axis of Fire

The voice was sharp.

“This is what your hesitation gets us!”

Then—

more screams.

Tearing through the air.

What if it’s my fire—

what if it’s killing them right now?

“No—”

I shook my hands, trying to put it out.

I tried to force it down.

But every movement only made it worse.

I felt the wall of fire grow thicker.

The screams grew louder—closer.

“No, no—no. I don’t want this. I don’t—”

I was helpless.

So helpless that tears filled my eyes.

I tried to hold my mind together.

Tried to smother the emotions.

But the fire was rising inside me too.

Like an executioner.

Like it was punishing me—

for hiding it.

For fearing it.

“Illariana.”

A voice.

Male.

“I didn’t mean to! I don’t want this!”

I screamed.

My eyes darted—

from the flames to my hands and back again.