Page 472 of Axis of Fire

The monster drew closer.

Now I was truly afraid.

Adrenaline flooded my body as my mind frantically searched for a way out.

A way to survive.

"Taylor—"

"Cover your ears. Now."

The familiar voice made me spin around.

Azalia was sprinting toward us with Rosalie and Aaron close behind.

"Should I let it through?" Taylor asked through gritted teeth.

"Do it."

Azalia took her place beside him and motioned again for us to cover our ears.

This time, everyone obeyed.

Taylor released the barrier.

The monster lunged toward us—

only to freeze mid-stride.

Its enormous blue eyes turned milky white.

Its oversized ears curled inward like twisted tubes.

Its mouth fell open, and sharp teeth began raining onto the ground.

Its long legs buckled beneath it.

When its blue skin faded to a lifeless white, the creature shattered...

like glass.

Azalia waved both hands, signaling that it was safe.

We uncovered our ears.

"Are you okay?" I asked as Taylor pushed himself back to his feet.

He nodded.

"My magic... has certain limitations."

His voice was unusually quiet.

"I didn't expect them to use a Turiada during this year's Selection," Azalia said.

"A what?" I asked, accepting Taylor's jacket as he handed it to me. I wrapped it tightly around my waist.

"Turiada," Azalia explained. "They're creatures from the Water Realm. Underwater, they look like seahorses. On land, they transform into bloodthirsty monsters."