Page 213 of Axis of Fire

And yet...

How was I supposed to deny it when both of my abilities had chosen me themselves?

After a long silence, I finally answered.

“As earrings.”

“For the inner part of my ear.”

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, revealing my two piercings.

A helix.

And a conch.

It felt like the perfect place.

Subtle.

Almost invisible.

I’d probably forget they were even there.

At least I’d never really noticed piercings in those spots before.

With a flick of the woman’s wrist, both talismans shrank into tiny stud earrings.

She handed me a mirror so I could replace my old jewelry with them.

My hands trembled ever so slightly as I fastened them into place.

I was afraid of the consequences.

Afraid of what Stasia would do with this information.

“We would appreciate it if everything that happened here remained within these walls,” Stasia said suddenly.

The unexpected request nearly made me drop one of the earrings.

I looked up at her in surprise.

The warmth vanished from the shop assistant’s face.

“Do not insult Madame Croix’s establishment with such assumptions,” she said sharply.

I could swear those blue eyes alone were sharp enough to cut through steel.

“Our clients’ privacy and safety have always been—and always will be—our highest priority.”

Stasia gave a slow nod.

Honestly...

I had no idea how I was supposed to react to any of this.

******

Half an hour later, we were sitting in an underground bar.