Page 516 of Axis of Fire

"Then distract them. I'll do it."

I nodded and turned back, quickly assessing the situation. Just then, I noticed Pria walking toward us.

Perfect.

Smiling brightly, I waved both hands and headed in her direction, "accidentally" bumping into the trio along the way.

"Oh! I'm so sorry," I giggled. "I'm just so excited I stopped noticing anyone around me."

The three girls rewarded me with amused smiles, but I pretended not to notice.

"I still can't believe we actually made it through the Selection and officially became Istmond students."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ria quietly slip behind them.

The girls stayed silent.

Meanwhile, I wondered how much longer I could keep up this painfully sweet act.

"Sorry," Taylor said, draping an arm around my shoulders. "My friend can be a little... enthusiastic sometimes."

Feeling his hand brush the back of my neck, I looked up and found him wearing a smug grin.

I plastered on another smile and discreetly jabbed him in the ribs with my elbow, hoping he'd get the hint and let go.

When I glanced back at the girls, I noticed all three of them were staring—not at me—but at the scorpion asleep on Taylor's shoulder.

Then I caught Ria's eye.

She gave me a tiny nod before slipping away toward Kaeron.

"Well... I'd better get back to my friends," I chirped.

Then, with a playful wink, I added,

"I'd recommend being a little friendlier to your fellow students."

Without waiting for an answer, I hurried back to Ria, who was smiling, and to Kaeron, whose expression looked as though he had been the one stealing maps.

"So," Taylor whispered, flashing a full thirty-two-tooth grin, "how did my two little thieves do? I hope I can count on getting my share for helping out." He gave me a playful wink.

"We'll see," I replied with a smile. "That depends on your behavior."

Turning back to Ria, I felt her slip our prize into the hidden pocket sewn inside my dress.

Illariana Arden's POV

Falling behind the others, I headed briskly toward the dormitory, hoping Airis had lost sight of me in the crowd. At the same time, I couldn't stop wondering what Stasia planned to do with the maps.

The academy brooch resting against my chest felt surprisingly heavy. The crystal at its center shimmered, shifting through different shades of violet, as though it were quietly marking yet another turning point in my life.

I let out a slow breath, trying to ease the tension in both my mind and body.

But the thoughts wouldn't stop.

Neither would the memories.

I avoided looking at my hands, where Seris's fingernail marks still scarred my skin.