Page 458 of Axis of Fire

I tried to ignore it.

I kept my head high as I walked, avoiding every gaze fixed on me.

The Chosen recruits stood together with the rest of the candidates in the designated area, while Louis silently guided me toward them. Morz and Aars walked beside us, and Aars kept talking.

"The important thing is to pull yourself together and show that gorgeous idiot exactly what he's lost!" he declared, shaking his tiny fist.

It didn't help.

There was a hole inside me, growing wider with every step I took.

I couldn't believe that bastard had been pretending all this time.

I couldn't believe I'd believed him.

And I couldn't believe...

that I'd actually fallen in love with him.

"We've counted one hundred and thirty new recruits. In a few moments, all of you will be transported into the labyrinth separately," Morz said, calm and composed.

I wished I could be just as composed.

So far, only my body seemed willing to cooperate.

"This year, we've introduced several changes designed to make the Selection more effective."

Now Eugene's voice echoed across the entire courtyard.

His was the gaze I tried hardest to avoid.

He had been right.

And I hadn't even tried to consider the possibility.

The moment I noticed a green dress approaching, I stepped beside Stasia, feeling her fingers gently brush against mine.

"Let's survive this Selection," she whispered, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze, "and then beat the hell out of him."

"Let's survive the Selection first," I managed, forcing something that almost resembled a smile as I met her green eyes. "Right now, that's the only goal that matters."

"Each of you will receive a map that activates upon arrival, showing your current location," Eugene continued. "How you choose to navigate it is entirely up to you."

I frowned.

At that exact moment, a scroll sealed with a twelve-sided crest appeared in my hands.

Just like everyone else's.

"The scroll will open once you're inside the labyrinth. Every participant has a Point A and a Point Z. Your starting points and destinations will all be different. If you wish to complete the labyrinth successfully..."

He paused.

"...you'll have to work together."

"That's your tribute to the Realm of Dreams and Illusions," Aars whispered. "The realm governed by Gemini."

"Your first destination will be marked as Section B. What awaits you there..."