Page 69 of Axis of Fire

against my back.

A spark shot through me.

Like a reminder:

You’re alive.

I took a deep breath.

Then turned my head—

and met the glowing eyes of Airis.

I couldn’t see his face.

It was hidden in shadow.

But...

I could feel him.

“Breathe,” he ordered.

“Deep.”

I obeyed.

He didn’t move his hands away.

And I didn’t want him to.

Right now, this barely familiar guy was my anchor.

A role my parents had never been able to fill.

I kept breathing.

Feeling my heartbeat, my thoughts, and the world around me slowly settle.

“How are you?” Airis asked, his voice quiet but firm.

“I’m fine,” I nodded.

And felt his hands pull away.

Something about that...

stung more than it should have.

“Do you get nightmares often?” he asked, watching me closely.

My eyes had adjusted to the darkness now.

I could see his face.

And it was...

serious.