Page 3 of Axis of Fire

Step by step, she edged closer to the window.

It was slightly open—tilted outward.

A glance at the world beyond.

Second floor.

Her lips pressed together as her fingertips brushed against the curtains.

“You’re afraid of me.”

She gave a small shrug—and the moment her fingers tightened around the fabric, she yanked the curtains down with all her strength.

The curtain rod snapped.

Heavy fabric crashed to the floor.

Metal clanged sharply.

A brief pause.

Illariana grabbed the fabric, wrapping it tightly around herself.

Then she began walking slowly toward the doctors.

Their expressions were changing.

Relaxing.

“And you know what?”

A soft smile curved across her small, round face.

“You should be.”

Then she turned—fast.

No hesitation.

She sprinted toward the window.

Straight for the opening.

The metal gave way.

The frame snapped outward—

and she went with it.

The world tilted.

The fabric slipped from her hands, falling away.

A scream echoed somewhere above—cut off by a dull impact.

Another hit.

Branches scraped against her skin.