Page 374 of Axis of Fire

Iceflame.

Fire.

Water.

Shadows.

And one unknown element.

“The second group: Anastasia Lang, Kaeron Dreival, Pria Haradas, Aaron Castle, and Azalia Liarance.”

Plants and biochemistry.

Density.

Lightning.

Blood magic.

A mermaid's hypnotic voice.

I barely listened as Draksen announced the third and fourth groups.

I needed to focus on my own.

“I'm so glad we ended up together,” I said quietly, unable to stop myself from smiling.

And this time, the smile was genuine.

For the first time since arriving at Istmond...

I felt lucky.

Chapter 38

Illariana Arden’s POV

A schedule had been posted for each group on the ground floor of the dormitory.

And damn.

We didn't have so much as twenty minutes of free time.

Maybe that was for the best.

At least it would keep my mind occupied—far away from thoughts of Airis—and force me to focus on myself instead.

The new schedule took effect immediately.

Our first destination was a class called Elemental Magic.

Alicia—Stasia's sister—was leading our group to the training hall.

As it turned out, each group had been assigned an upperclassman to help with the transition, making sure we actually showed up for class... or noticed when we didn't.

Gianna and Seris walked on either side of me.

The other two members of our group—Loretta and Taylor—kept to themselves, lingering several steps behind the rest of us.