Page 433 of Axis of Fire

The truth everyone had worked so hard to keep from him.

"But enough about depressing things." He smiled as he looked at me. "You're incredibly talented, Stasia Lang."

I shrugged.

"I don't think I would've discovered that talent without you."

A smile tugged at my lips.

"You're an amazing mentor, Tarven."

Something flickered in his eyes.

He loved being praised.

He just never seemed to know how to accept it.

"But I can't keep taking advantage of that anymore."

His brow furrowed.

"What do you mean?"

I took a slow breath.

"I've spent a lot of time thinking about it."

"And I realized..."

"I only want you in my life as a friend."

"Not as my mentor."

Before I even realized what was happening, something gripped my wrist.

I stopped abruptly.

My eyes dropped to Tarven's hand wrapped firmly around mine before lifting to his face.

He looked deadly serious.

"What's going on, Stasia?"

His voice was quiet.

Dangerous.

Too many emotions clashed behind his eyes for me to name a single one.

I softened my voice.

"Rosalie needs you more than I do."

He froze.

His grip loosened almost instantly.

"There are people here who'll look after me now."