Page 372 of Axis of Fire

I should've thought this through more carefully before walking into his office.

But it was too late to back out now.

“I've come to report a violation of the Academy's rules,” I said.

“It's not something I can stay silent about.”

His thick brows drew together until they nearly met.

“Go on.”

“My roommates and I were reassigned.” I swallowed. “It wasn't my decision... and no one asked for my opinion.”

An edge slipped into my voice despite myself.

More hurt than angry.

To my surprise, Draksen let out a weary sigh and covered his face with both hands.

A second later, he lowered them again, as though catching himself.

“I won't tell anyone,” he said quietly. “You have my word.”

I froze.

That wasn't the response I'd expected.

Not even close.

“But... the rules...” I protested, hating how small and uncertain my voice sounded. “What about everyone's safety? What about the consequences if incompatible types of magic are forced to live together?”

Without a word, the Headmaster picked up the small tablet that had been lying on his desk the entire time and began typing.

A second later, his fingers paused above the screen as his eyes scanned the information.

“Your suite currently houses a fire mage, a water mage, a plant-and-biochemistry mage, and a Fateweaver whose spider silk carries poison.”

I silently committed one detail to memory.

Joelle's webs weren't merely poisonous, as she'd told us.

They were Fatewoven.

“I don't see a problem, Gianna.” Draksen looked up from the tablet. “You're free to switch rooms within your suite if you'd like. Those four magic types aren't capable of triggering a large-scale magical catastrophe simply by living together.”

I pressed my lips together.

I wasn't ready to give up.

“But what about discipline?” I asked. “How will the other students react when they find out the rules don't apply equally to everyone?”

Draksen narrowed his eyes.

He set the tablet aside without taking his eyes off me.

A shiver crept down my spine beneath the weight of his gaze.

“Is there another reason?” he asked quietly.