Page 130 of Axis of Fire

I loved wearing bold shades of red, green, and blue paired with dark clothing, oversized accessories, and dramatic shoes.

But my room?

It looked like a pink factory had exploded.

Or, as Mike liked to call it:

“A unicorn threw up in here.”

Nothing about it looked like it belonged to a twenty-five-year-old woman.

At best, it looked like it belonged to a thirteen-year-old.

And I fully expected Airis to make some sarcastic comment about it.

But surprisingly, he seemed completely indifferent to my sanctuary.

Though I did catch the slightest twitch at the corner of his lips.

“In half an hour, three people from the Earth Division will arrive,” he said.

I nodded, not understanding why this information couldn’t have waited until Gwen and I came back downstairs.

“I promised to meet them at the shopping center two blocks away,” he continued. “And I think you understand that I can’t leave you here alone with your friends without additional protection.”

I frowned, ready to argue, but Gwendolyn immediately took over.

“That’s actually a great idea,” she said brightly. “Ria needs to buy things she’ll actually need anyway.”

She pointed toward the small vanity on my desk, crowded with mirrors and skincare products.

For a second, I was genuinely shocked I’d forgotten how important that morning and evening routine was to me.

My skin was naturally oily and prone to acne.

Without all those little bottles and creams, it would break out completely.

And if I didn’t keep the skin on my body moisturized, my psoriasis would flare up almost immediately.

“Right.” I nodded before returning to my closet and pulling out a pair of chunky high-heeled sandals.

“You’re seriously wearing those?” Gwendolyn gestured toward the shoes, raising a brow.

“Absolutely.” I nodded. “Who knows when I’ll get another chance to wear heels?”

Nobody had ever understood my obsession with shoes.

Not that I cared.

As long as nobody stopped me from looking the way I wanted.

And personally?

I always liked myself more in heels.

“There are specialized shops in Istarus,” Airis said. “Mages make different ointments and skincare products there.”

I scoffed while fastening the strap on my sandal.