Ifrit let him by without paying him the slightest attention, of course. Ari had reiterated to him, after the last fight, that humans were not to be touched unless she specifically called for it.
But fuck this timing. Five minutes earlier, and she could have asked him for help. Five minutes later, and she'd never have had to explain.
She saw Ifrit rearing, knew what was coming as Drake darted past him. She quit her singing to shout, "Drake, get clear - now!" with just enough warning for him to get out of the way before Hellfire roared down the alley, scorching stone walls - but not setting them ablaze, thank whatever was out there - and clearing the immediate area of enemies.
Ifrit began to fade around the edges as Ari rushed to Drake's side - his reflexes were good, she reminded herself. He had gotten out of the way of the flames. "I'm sorry," she gasped as she knelt next to him - he appeared uninjured. "Are you..." He looked all right.