Page 37 of Axis of Fire

“We’ll visit again.”

“Not exactly my dream,” Aars muttered, “but fine—”

Before he could finish, the other two grabbed him by his tiny paws—

and all three of them slipped straight through the wall.

Leaving me alone.

******

When I returned to the room, wearing the long shirt with the kimono tied loosely over it, I noticed Airis sitting at the table, clearly irritated.

He was watching me.

Expectant.

Almost disdainful.

“What?” I muttered, crossing my arms.

“I came back, just like you wanted.”

On the table in front of him were two steaming cups, something resembling pastries on a plate, and two open books.

“Sit,” he said, nodding toward the food.

“Eat. And listen.”

I didn’t move.

“I’m not your dog. Or one of your subordinates,” I replied, recalling his rank.

“Speak to me with respect.”

He exhaled, sounding tired.

“Sit down and eat, Fireling. We don’t have much time before the Selection, and there’s too much information for you to process.”

I moved slowly to the chair and sat down, still keeping my arms crossed.

“Why do you call me Fireling?” I frowned.

“I have a name.”

“A nickname I created for you. Fire and darling—it suits you.”

One corner of his lips curled slightly.

And again, I felt the urge to wipe that smirk off his annoyingly perfect face.

Even thinking that felt dangerous.

“I didn’t give you permission to call me that.”

“As you wish, Fireling.”

That smirk only deepened.