Page 366 of Axis of Fire

“But I do.”

Anastasia Lang's POV

While Ria and Airis stepped away, I decided it would be best to avoid running into Tarven and Rosalie.

So I slipped into the crowd of students leaving the open arena and headed into the gardens, choosing a random direction and hoping it would take me far enough away.

For a while, it worked.

I managed to relax.

Just a little.

But only a few minutes later, a voice I should've stayed far away from spoke beside me.

“Well, hello, little sister.”

Every muscle in my body threatened to lock in place.

I refused to let it.

If there was one thing I'd learned, it was never to let her see fear.

I couldn't afford to take my eyes off her for even a second.

So I turned around immediately.

Chapter 37

My mirror image stood across from me, a crooked smile curling at the corners of her lips.

No.

Not exactly.

Alicia had cut her hair to her shoulders and dyed the ends blood red.

The color of her magic.

Just as I had done with mine.

Though she'd never admit where she'd gotten the idea.

“What's with that face?” she asked. “Don't tell me you're not happy to see me.”

Her Cheshire smile widened as she strolled toward me with slow, effortless grace.

If I could ever be compared to a cat...

Alicia wasn't a cat.

She was a lioness.

Patient.

Dangerous.

“Oh, I'm thrilled,” I said, folding my arms across my chest. “My neck is especially excited.”