Page 64 of Axis of Fire

And I tried to ignore the small, creeping fear tightening around my chest.

Gwendolyn. Mike. Dwayne.

They knew about my abilities.

Should I tell him?

Or would that put them in danger?

“As strange as it may sound,” he continued,

“I’m the only one you have here, in this world right now. And you should trust me.”

My fingers tightened around the thick fabric of the blanket.

And his eyes—

hardened again.

That familiar steel returning.

“Do they know about your abilities?”

They know things even you don’t.

“What would you do to them if they did?” I asked, forcing calm into my voice while hiding my slightly trembling hands beneath the blanket.

Airis stayed silent, still studying me.

“How long have they known?”

This time, I didn’t answer.

“Trust, remember?”

“Since I was eighteen.”

“Wait.”

“You developed your powers at eighteen?”

I nodded, not understanding the surprise on his face.

“Why does that shock you?”

“Because mages usually manifest their abilities between twenty-four and twenty-six. Anything earlier is considered an anomaly. And it’s dangerous.”

Great.

Just add that to the list.

“But your powers showed up when you were thirteen.”

“And I was immediately taken to Istmond, where I was taught control.”

“Why is it dangerous?”

“Because you can destroy yourself—and everything around you. If too much energy builds up, your outer shell cracks. And that creates an additional surge of power,” he explained.