Page 370 of Axis of Fire

Miloran.

He approached at an unhurried pace, but there was unmistakable fire burning in his eyes.

“I think,” he said evenly, “that we should report a third-year student for attacking a first-year recruit.”

His tone never rose.

It didn't have to.

The anger beneath it was impossible to miss.

His gaze shifted to me.

To my neck.

For the briefest moment, his lips pressed into a thin line.

“It seems I should be reporting this not only to Istmond's administration,” he said quietly, “but to the authorities as well.”

“You don't have any proof,” Alicia shot back.

But I caught the faint tremor in her voice.

“I'll create proof myself if I have to,” Joelle said without the slightest intention of backing down.

“And if that isn't enough,” Miloran added, nodding toward my neck, “Stasia's memories will be.”

His eyes settled on me.

“They'll show exactly how she got that scar.”

A rush of panic washed over me.

I quickly pulled the zipper of my top back up, concealing the scar once more.

I stared at Joel.

Then at Miloran.

I hadn't expected either of them to react like this.

Especially Joel.

We barely spoke despite sharing the same room, yet here she was, stepping in to defend me without hesitation.

I drew a slow breath, forcing myself to regain control of the conversation.

“Let's make a deal,” I said, looking directly at Alicia. “Stay as far away from me as possible.”

I held her gaze.

“Otherwise, I really will report everything.”

For a moment, neither of us looked away.

Alicia's jaw tightened.

With an irritated scoff, she turned on her heel and headed back toward the training arena without another word.