Page 249 of Axis of Fire

But despite all the space, the room didn’t feel comfortable.

The bare white walls felt oppressive, and the atmosphere reminded me of a hospital room.

Or worse—

The psychiatric clinic I’d once visited.

This was supposed to be a new chapter of my life.

But right now, it didn’t draw me in at all.

Was I really that dependent on warmth and familiarity if a spacious but half-empty room could make me feel this hollow?

A sudden shout erupted from the living room.

I rushed toward the sound immediately.

In the middle of the large, sunlit common area stood an enraged Stasia and Joelle, facing each other.

A shattered flowerpot lay between them, dirt scattered across the spotless floor.

“And that’s what’ll happen to every plant you bring in here,” Joelle said coldly.

Her black eyes looked seconds away from burning a hole straight through Stasia.

But Stasia wasn’t the type to back down.

“And every single time, you’ll choke on the toxins I release into that smug face of yours,” she snarled, raising an open hand—

As though she fully intended to follow through on the threat.

My entire body tensed.

“Both of you, calm down,” I said sharply.

“Can’t this be settled without screaming at each other?”

Joelle’s glare snapped toward me instantly.

But Stasia kept staring at her.

Trying to burn her alive.

Thankfully only metaphorically.

“Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?” Joelle hissed.

“You’re nothing here.”

“You showed up from God knows where and already think you’re entitled to tell people what to do.”

“I haven’t even started yet,” I replied, realizing I wouldn’t mind setting this bitch on fire myself.

“And who exactly are you to call us nobodies?” Stasia cut in.

“What kind of magic do you even have that they decided to make us roommates?”

“The kind that could kill you in seconds.”