Page 106 of Axis of Fire

Airis was far too unpredictable.

But for some reason, I wasn’t constantly tense around him the way I probably should have been.

Emotionally, no.

Sexually?

That was an entirely different disaster.

“I wonder what could matter enough for someone to risk dying over it,” Airis said quietly, almost as though he wasn’t speaking to me at all.

So I didn’t answer.

*******

The next morning, silence lingered between us.

During breakfast.

During the walk to the training hall.

Neither of us made any attempt to speak.

But the moment the heavy doors opened, voices echoed from inside.

I tensed immediately.

Not because of fear.

Or doubt.

More because I had no desire to be surrounded by too many people.

Not that I disliked them.

Though I definitely preferred animals.

That wasn’t the point.

I valued my comfort zone and solitude.

Meeting new people always felt like stepping into unfamiliar territory.

Yes, there were new opportunities. New experiences.

But it was terrifying.

The uncertainty terrified me.

“Better,” an unfamiliar male voice said before coughing harshly.

At the same time, a metallic scent mixed with something sour drifted toward us on the airflow.

But before I could fully inhale—

it vanished.

As if something had sealed the smell away.