Page 362 of Axis of Fire

I was the one person who had failed to demonstrate anything today.

Anything besides helplessness, anyway.

“Your embarrassment is practically saturating the air.”

Kaeron's voice cut through my thoughts.

“You know, that's not exactly how people usually offer support,” Seris said with a snort.

“I wasn't trying to support anyone.”

Kaeron didn't even bother looking at him.

Seris rolled his eyes.

Then he nodded toward the seats.

A moment later, he and Kaeron switched places, leaving Seris sitting beside me instead.

His hand rested lightly on my shoulder.

His blue eyes seemed to smile even before his lips did.

“I think everyone here belongs.”

“For almost everyone, I'd agree.”

The moment I heard that voice, warmth and a shiver spread through me at the same time.

Four figures stood near the entrance to the arena.

Airis.

Tarven.

Miloran.

And Rosalie.

“The lightning magic was a little underwhelming.”

Airis's gaze swept across the arena before settling on me.

I immediately tried to remember the girl who had demonstrated lightning magic earlier.

Unfortunately, my brain refused to cooperate.

The other three headed straight toward the judges.

Airis didn't move.

Neither did his gaze.

Yet somehow, he looked incredibly tense.

“How fortunate we are to see three more members of the Strongest Twelve today,” Azriella remarked.

“I agree,” Draksen Ardevayne said coldly. “Though one of them was supposed to be somewhere else.”