Page 349 of Axis of Fire

“And the moment he learns the truth, he'll kill you too. Trust, remember?”

That was the final blow.

I shot upright.

Gasping.

Trying to breathe.

My hands refused to obey me.

My lungs were no easier to control.

I was suffocating.

My eyes flew open, expecting darkness.

Instead, two glowing blue eyes stared back at me.

Reality came crashing back.

A moment later, the soft glow of Gia's bedside lamp illuminated the room.

She stood beside my bed, her face etched with concern.

“What's wrong?” she asked quietly.

Nervously.

I drew in a deep breath, trying to shake off the tension.

But right now, it felt fused to my bones.

“It was a nightmare,” I said.

I barely recognized my own voice.

“That happens.”

“I thought someone had broken into our room and was murdering you.”

A startled laugh escaped me.

“Can't you see in the dark?” I asked, remembering Airis mentioning something like that once.

Airis.

My heart had forgotten how to react normally to that name.

And I immediately tried to smother the traitorous thoughts wishing he were here right now.

“No, of course not.” Gia's eyes widened. “My abilities only awakened recently.”

I nodded.

Though mentally, I made a note to learn more about that particular ability.

“If you want...” Gia hesitated, staring down at the hem of her turquoise satin nightgown, twisting the fabric between her fingers. “You could tell me what's bothering you. Maybe it would help.”