Page 218 of Axis of Fire

“Well,” I admitted honestly, “you still seem suspicious to me.”

Maybe honesty was just one of my many flaws.

“Sounds like a you problem.”

Stasia swallowed another bite before shrugging with the same shameless grin.

“So...”

She nodded toward my plate.

“Are you going to eat your cake, or should I generously rescue it?”

I wasn’t much of a sweets person.

But refusing dessert altogether felt almost criminal.

So I picked up the tiny silver spoon and cut myself a small piece.

The moment it melted on my tongue, I nearly closed my eyes.

It was unfairly good.

Soft, airy sponge cake layered with silky cream and a delicate blueberry flavor.

“They really know how to make desserts here,” Stasia said.

“Do they use magic for baking too?” I asked, already taking another bite.

“I honestly think they do,” she replied before suddenly frowning.

“I’ve tried making something like this a few times, but it never—”

She never got the chance to finish.

Tarven’s irritated voice cut through the bar before she could say another word.

Chapter 21

“Why the hell are you outside the academy?” Tarven didn’t even try to hide his irritation—or the emotions driving it.

I wasn’t particularly bothered by his outrage.

Now, if it had been Airis instead...

That would’ve been terrifying.

His disappointment was far worse.

Glancing at Anastasia, I expected her to back down.

She didn’t.

Instead, she straightened her back, put on the most innocent expression imaginable, and flashed him a dazzling smile.

“Did you know the desserts here are ridiculously good?” Scooping up another bite with her spoon, Stasia continued casually, “I was just telling Ria I’ve tried recreating them a few times, but mine never come close—”

“What the hell are you doing outside Isthmond?” Tarven snapped.