Page 417 of Axis of Fire

"We'll schedule an additional hour of practice for the next three days," Sabina announced.

Her gaze shifted toward the opposite side of the room.

Every time Loretta stepped on her shadow partner's foot, it bounced slightly into the air.

I wasn't proud of it...

But I was incredibly relieved that I wasn't the only one falling behind.

******

After dance class—and another magical training session where I'd once again managed to rank somewhere beneath rock bottom—I pushed open the door to the room Gianna and I shared.

For once, I was genuinely glad to have the place to myself.

Gianna had discovered a lake somewhere on Istmond's grounds and gone there instead.

According to her, water restored her strength far better than sleep ever could.

I wasn't about to argue with that.

I'd mostly come to terms with having a roommate.

Still...

I'd always loved being alone.

As I walked toward my bed, something immediately caught my eye.

A familiar shopping bag.

The green Asda logo was impossible to mistake.

I frowned.

How could a supermarket bag from Vuduarus have ended up here?

Especially when Airis's portal allowance had already been used for the week.

Then I noticed a small green sticky note attached to the handle.

Drawn across it was Cat Noir from Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.

Without another thought, I picked up the bag and sat down on the bed.

Inside were several things I would have happily sold my soul for.

My favorite Korean facial serum.

A familiar box filled with colorful macarons.

A slice of Manchester Tart—the dessert Gwen and I had long ago nicknamed the taste of home.

And two envelopes.

I opened the first one.

Even before reading the signature, I knew it was from Gwen and Mike.