Page 437 of Axis of Fire

A sudden chill ran through my body.

I wrapped my arms around myself.

I'm doing this for the right reasons.

To protect people. To protect the academy.

I'm trying to help.

Not hurt anyone.

Illariana Arden's POV

I was just about to step into my room when Eugene's voice stopped me in the corridor.

Ten minutes later, I found myself sitting in his office.

It was small.

Cold.

Almost completely empty.

Much like the man who occupied it.

"You wanted to see me?" I finally asked, unable to endure the silence any longer.

Eugene had been watching me the entire time.

As though he expected his stare alone to make me understand.

"Romantic relationships between mentors and students are forbidden."

His words landed without warning.

I folded my arms.

"You probably should've mentioned that sooner."

The irritation in my voice was impossible to hide.

Another silence settled between us.

This one felt heavier.

Dangerous.

"Airis was created by us."

I frowned.

"You're talking about him like he's an experiment instead of a person."

The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

I hated hearing anyone speak about him that way.

Eugene's expression hardened.