Page 367 of Axis of Fire

I forced my voice to stay light.

That was one thing we had in common.

We both knew how to wear indifference like armor.

“Oh?” Tilting her head, Alicia let her eyes travel slowly over me. “Did you bring it another gift?”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.”

She gave her thick blond hair a careless toss.

I frowned.

I had no idea what game she was playing now.

But I decided to keep pushing.

Yes.

I was terrified of her.

Terrified beyond reason.

Because the moment Alicia realized she was in control—

The moment she saw me as prey—

She would follow her instincts without hesitation.

Without breaking eye contact, I reached for the zipper of my top.

Just enough to reveal the scar.

The one I was forced to see every single morning in the mirror.

The one that never let me forget the day my own twin sister had tried to kill me.

“For someone with such a terrible memory,” I said, “I figured I'd give you a reminder.”

I searched her eyes for something.

Anything.

The smallest flicker of regret.

But Alicia had never possessed that emotion where I was concerned.

And I'd spent years wondering why.

“Nice work, Milo.”

I let out a quiet breath.

“Why did you follow me?” I asked, letting my smile fade. “What do you actually want from me?”

“I simply came to remind you whose territory you're standing on.” Her lips curved ever so slightly. “And how you're expected to behave while you're here.”

“I'm afraid I don't need your advice.”