Sweat beaded the back of his neck and he swallowed convulsively. It was just an illusion then. Some projection. Some technology. Had to be. That was the only explanation.

He took a moment to steel himself and ran his hand through the flame.

It seared--

And a millisecond later his sleeve caught.

"Christ!" He flailed his arm, stumbling back as the fire raced up his arm, his heart jamming against his ribs. There was a sudden fwoosh and the sprinklers came on, cold water raining down and putting him out.

He stumbled against a wall and heaved, trying to catch his breath as his heart galloped.