Page 7 of Axis of Fire

“I’m Angela Maisie. And I’m very familiar with people like you.”

“People like me?” Illariana smiled mockingly.

“What, the crazy ones? Is that what you mean?”

Ever since she was old enough to understand herself, Illariana had believed exactly that.

Truly believed it.

Until one day, fate revealed the truth behind her madness—

in front of two people.

“No, Illariana,” the older man said, shaking his head.

“How do you even know my name?” she snapped.

“And since when do psychiatric facilities call in entire squads to restrain someone?”

“She’s right,” the white-haired man said suddenly, ignoring her question.

“I could’ve handled her alone.”

His voice still carried absolute confidence.

“Eugene, she’s not supposed to see us as enemies,” the shorter man said with a frown, his thick brows drawing together.

“Who cares,” Eugene scoffed.

His gaze locked onto her.

A surge pulsed through her body—

tightening with the rising energy inside her.

“Enough. Just take her,” the woman said coldly.

Illariana’s body tensed, shifting into a defensive stance.

“I really hate—” the woman began, then abruptly stopped.

Her body froze.

And every pair of eyes behind her shifted—

staring in horror at something behind her.

******

Illariana’s POV

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the blood—

running down Angela’s forehead.

One second.

Then her body collapsed onto the lawn—