Page 26 of Axis of Fire

According to the Ahrmud Treaty, Istarus is obligated to protect all twelve worlds in times of danger.

Istmond serves as one of its primary instruments.

—from the journal of Lucirius von Bathsha,

Essential Information for Beings Raised in Vuduarus

Chapter 3

I was actually put in Airis’s quarters.

I kept replaying that fact in my head, still unable to believe it.

Even after I stepped inside the large, dim room.

Deep blue tones.

Gray wood.

Silver accents.

The room was spacious, clean, and surprisingly minimalist.

A large canopy bed, a dresser, bookshelves, a fireplace—and a weapon rack.

In front of the fireplace lay a large, vivid rug embroidered with silver threads—the only splash of color.

“Private bathroom,” Airis said, nodding toward a gray door behind the shelves.

His irritation hung in the air, tightening the already tense atmosphere.

“While you’re showering, I’ll find you something to change into.”

His voice was dry—

like that smug idiot from earlier had vanished.

“Is it just me, or did your arrogance drop a few degrees?” I asked, pretending to examine the bookshelves.

The spines were marked with symbols I didn’t recognize.

“Not that I mind...” I added, still eyeing the strange lettering.

“I just didn’t expect moving a girl into your room to immediately switch off your ‘jerk mode.’”

The room, oddly enough, reminded me of my father’s study.

“I thought maybe I imagined it—but it looks like little Fireling prefers things a bit rough,” he said.

I felt it—

without even turning—

his smug smile spreading across his lips.

When I did turn, I was right.

“I’m just surprised by the change,” I replied, crossing my arms and looking away again, pretending to examine the room.