Page 412 of Axis of Fire

When my mind finally returned to my body, I realized just how exhausting it had been to spend so much time inside my own subconscious choosing dresses.

Thankfully, the fitting itself hadn't taken long.

The moment I saw the gown with the full skirt crafted from a strange fabric that resembled living flames, paired with a simple corset, I knew it was the one.

The real delay came from waiting for Stasia and Gianna.

Neither of them could settle on a final choice.

Stasia was the worst of the two.

She kept switching between different colors and silhouettes, forcing us to help her decide.

Or rather—

forcing me.

In the end, she still hadn't made up her mind.

Our allotted fitting time ran out, and we had no choice but to head to our next class.

Dance.

For heaven's sake.

"Am I the only one who doesn't understand why dancing is a mandatory subject at Istmond?" I asked.

Joelle had mentioned it while leading us through the corridor toward the dance studio, located just a few doors away from Madame Zhivorzhinette's atelier.

"Dancing improves coordination," Gianna explained.

"It also helps you develop a better connection with your body."

"And honestly," she added with a smile, "I doubt we'll have many classes where we actually get to have fun."

"For me, fun is painting."

"I can't stand dancing."

I'd never been graceful.

Or even remotely coordinated.

Back in high school, I'd almost skipped graduation just to avoid dancing.

"I'm the exact opposite," Stasia laughed.

"You should see my paintings."

"I will."

I nodded as I followed Gianna into the studio.

Just like before, we were divided into two groups.

Fortunately, Stasia ended up in mine.

"Finally," Pria muttered, her irritation impossible to miss.