Page 278 of Axis of Fire

My body wanted to follow.

But my survival instincts refused to let it.

I threw myself backward, lunging toward the opening in the floor where the ladder was fastened.

If I landed right...

I wouldn't break my neck.

Alicia moved.

The moment she realized what I intended to do, she accelerated.

So did I.

One step—

And gravity disappeared.

For a few endless seconds.

Until it found me again.

I exhaled shakily, realizing my hands were trembling as they struggled to hold on to the damned dagger.

Tarven couldn’t possibly understand what I was feeling.

Then again…

How could he?

I had never told him any of it.

Chapter 29

Illariana Arden’s POV

“What did you just say?” I demanded, staring wide-eyed at the smirking Airis.

He looked far too calm considering what he’d suggested only moments ago.

“No.

Absolutely not.

You’ve lost your mind,” I snapped when he still didn’t answer.

“I already told you—you should learn how to ride a Beckbill.”

His tone remained infuriatingly casual.

“Especially since you already have a driver’s license.”

We had parked near the shoreline, facing what was either a sea or an ocean.

I still had no idea what surrounded Magicslan.

From where we stood, I could make out the outline of an island swallowed by mist.