Page 103 of Axis of Fire

Illariana Arden’s POV

Airis’s weight pressed me deeper into the firm mattress, his dangerously calm gaze never leaving my eyes.

I couldn’t breathe.

Not because of fear.

Not entirely.

“What the hell...?” I whispered, hoping my voice sounded steadier than I felt.

It didn’t.

I sounded far too helpless.

“I never mentioned the harpy.”

Airis’s voice was even.

Cold.

Controlled.

Contemptuous.

“Who are you really?”

Saliva pooled in my throat, making it hard to breathe.

I was afraid to swallow.

As if the second I did, the blade would slice across my skin.

“I’ve told you the truth this entire time.”

“Then where did you hear about the harpy?”

The pressure against my throat became unbearable.

I started dragging air through my mouth, my body jerking instinctively.

Pointlessly.

He was terrifyingly strong.

As if realizing what was happening, Airis shifted the dagger back a few millimeters.

“I can’t tell you.”

“You don’t have a choice.”

His voice hardened.

And I believed him.

Swallowing again, I forced the words out.

“Then cut me.”