Page 212 of Axis of Fire

“You’re a fire mage, correct?” the woman asked with a smile before nodding toward it.

“It chose you.”

“Pick it up.”

Still convinced this was all part of an elaborate marketing trick, I reached toward it.

But before my fingers could touch the pendant—

Something struck my palm.

I gasped.

Another pendant had flown straight into my hand.

A glossy black gemstone wrapped in a silver serpent rested motionless against my skin.

As though it hadn't willingly leapt into my hand only seconds earlier.

When I looked back at the shop assistant, she had gone completely still.

Shock had erased every trace of composure from her face.

“What kind of magic is this talisman connected to?” I asked immediately.

I glanced toward Stasia.

The warmth had vanished from her green eyes.

“Death.”

Chapter 20

My palms were slick with sweat.

My heart pounded against my ribs.

And then there was Stasia’s gaze.

I couldn’t tell what it meant.

Only the shop assistant seemed determined to remain perfectly composed.

“In all my years of experience,” she said carefully, “I’ve never seen two opposing energies choose the same mage.”

She tried to smile.

But I noticed the faint tremor in her hands.

“In what form would you like to wear your talismans?”

I exhaled slowly.

I still didn’t believe it.

Couldn’t believe it.

Didn’t want to believe it.