Page 444 of Axis of Fire

Yet she carried it as though she were wearing nothing at all.

"Not exactly," she said.

"These outfits are meant to honor two different worlds."

"The Sky Realm, under Libra..."

"...and the Fire Realm, under Leo."

"What do they have to do with dresses?" I asked.

"Libra values beauty."

"Leo values grandeur."

"So the Selection isn't just meant to showcase strength and magic."

"It's meant to be beautiful."

I nodded slowly.

I'd always liked looking nice.

I'd just spent most of my life trying not to stand out.

Even though, secretly...

part of me had always wanted to.

"And the opening dance," Gianna added from behind us, walking beside Seris, "along with the ball before the trials..."

"...that's a tribute to the Water Realm."

"Cancer."

"They adore romance."

"And symbolic gestures."

"So if someone suddenly decides to confess their feelings in front of everyone..."

Taylor's voice drifted from farther back.

"...the Water Realm would probably consider that excellent entertainment."

Stasia glanced over her shoulder.

"So..."

"Do you already have someone in mind?"

Taylor's lips curved into a lazy smile.

"I think 'victim' would be the more accurate word."

Pria rolled her eyes.

"As expected."