Page 342 of Axis of Fire

“Only the fracture in her leg is left,” Cyant exhaled.

“Great. I had faith in you.”

Miloran spoke without looking up, casually scraping dirt from the sole of his boot with a dagger.

Bits of dirt scattered across the spotless floor.

He didn't seem remotely concerned.

Ignoring him entirely, Sulfur met my gaze.

His lips were pressed into a thin line.

Tense.

“This is going to hurt.”

“And we'll need help,” Cyant added, glancing toward Miloran.

For the first time, Miloran looked up.

“You'll need to hold her down,” Cyant explained.

A brief pause followed.

“When bones knit back together, some patients experience convulsions. If she moves too much, the healing magic could react unpredictably.”

“Can't you just tie her to the cot?” Miloran asked.

I rolled my eyes immediately.

“Are you afraid to touch me?” I asked, meeting those unnervingly clear eyes.

He shrugged.

“If Tarven decides to punch me afterward, then yes. Absolutely.”

To my utter horror, something warm fluttered in my chest.

Had Tarven actually made it that obvious he cared about me?

“Miloran, we're wasting valuable time,” Cyant snapped.

With an exaggerated sigh, Miloran finally rose from his chair and slid the dagger back into its sheath.

Then he stopped.

Staring at me.

“Should I close my eyes so I don't embarrass you?” I asked with a deliberately sweet smile.

“You can.”

He nodded.

I clicked my tongue.

But closed them anyway.