Page 45 of Axis of Fire

“That’s what makes it dangerous. You never know what you’re actually dealing with.”

“That’s true,” Aars nodded vigorously.

“And no one from Miriarus will ever explain their world. It’s forbidden.”

“The fourth world is Maliarus—a water world,” Airis continued dryly.

Meanwhile, Aars lit up again.

“And that one was created by my favorite! The Leviathan Mimaia!”

I frowned, trying to imagine what that even looked like.

Honestly—

I appreciated the history lesson.

Both from Airis and Aars.

But this dragon-cat was only giving me more questions.

“What? Did your brain start shutting down by the third world?”

The corner of Airis’s mouth lifted, showing that same arrogant, insufferable confidence.

My fists clenched under the table.

“More like it got tired of the storyteller,” I shot back.

Though, to be fair, I knew perfectly well that if he named at least three more worlds, my brain actually would give up.

Especially with Aars adding his “fun facts.”

Why did I even need to know anything about the creatures who created them?

And how exactly was I supposed to ask that—

while pretending not to notice Aars sitting under Airis’s sharp gaze?

“The fifth world might feel familiar to you,” Airis continued, ignoring my sarcasm.

“Plaraarus is the world of fire.”

“And the winged lizard who created it—Plhraar—is an arrogant jerk,” Aars huffed, crossing his tiny arms.

“And the people living in Plaraarus aren’t any better! Well... I don’t actually know any of them,” he added, scratching his chin thoughtfully.

“But I’m sure there’s nothing good about them.”

Alright.

That was enough.

My hands clenched again, and I abruptly stood up, fixing Aars with a look that clearly said: you're coming with me.

“I need a minute,” I muttered, covering my mouth.

Without waiting for a response, I hurried to the bathroom.