Page 234 of Axis of Fire

“You rely on your emotions to control your magic.”

“You trust fear because it makes your power stronger.”

I stayed silent, turning his words over in my mind.

“Today, fear and rage weren’t enough.”

“You had to find another way.”

“And you did.”

His expression hardened.

“But you’re still too impulsive.”

“You attack before thinking about the consequences.”

“In a real battle, you’d burn yourself out far too quickly.”

Only now did I realize how weak my arms and legs felt.

Even standing upright took effort.

“For someone wielding untamed fire magic,” Miloran said softly, “you’re far too predictable.”

His pale eyes never left mine.

“Too sharp.”

“Too loud.”

“Too obvious.”

“That’s exactly what your enemies will expect.”

“You don’t feel your magic,” Tarven added.

“You force it.”

Then he turned toward Stasia.

“Well?”

She crossed her arms.

“Go ahead.”

“List my flaws too.”

I still couldn’t quite process how terrifying sweet, gentle Stasia became when she was angry.

“First of all,” Tarven said carefully, “you lose faith in yourself the moment real danger appears.”

“I didn’t realize how bad it was until today.”

Stasia rolled her eyes dramatically but didn’t interrupt him.

“You always talk about having confidence in your abilities.”