Page 135 of Hell Fae Commander

There was no doubt in my mind that Az could sense my flustered state—and likely knew part of the cause—but there wasn’t a hint of teasing or interest in his features. Just a severely serious look, one that matched his mental tone.

“Melek,” I answered honestly.

The Phoenix’s eyes flashed up to meet mine, startling me.

Because that gesture had been distinctly human.

What else did Melek tell you?Az demanded.What happened between you two?

I swallowed.What hasn’t he done to me?I nearly replied. But I really didn’t want to get into the energy exchange now, or the residual heat simmering across my being as a result of said exchange.

I also didn’t want to explain our deal.

So instead, I thought about the last thing Melek had said—the question he’d instructed me to ask Az.

“He mentionedVivaxia,” I told him. “He said I should ask you who she is, so who’s Vivaxia?”

Pain shot through my chest, knocking me back a step and drawing a gasp from my lips.

What…?I palmed my sternum, searching for the source of the injury. But I found nothing. No blood. No hole. Nothing to indicate a physical blow whatsoever.

Because it didn’t come from the outside,I realized.It came… from the inside.

My attention flew to Az, his body oddly still. His eyes were unfocused, his hands balled into fists and his coffee mug now in pieces on the floor.

And his chest didn’t flinch. Not even with an inhale or exhale.

The pain… it washispain.

I blinked at him while he remained rigid. But Az’s internal state was anything but firm. A storm raged inside him, while numbness touched my chest. No, not mine,his.

And thatwasphysical.

“Breathe, Az,” I told him, his lack of oxygen seeming to filter through our bond.

He didn’t immediately comply, forcing me to say it again, his agony causing my voice to come out on a rasp. Because I couldfeeleverything.

Are the walls still in place?I wondered dizzily.Did he ever finish crafting them?

Should I be feeling all of this?

Az?I asked, coughing out loud.Az… I can’t…

He inhaled sharply, his dark eyes snapping to mine. “What did Melek tell you about Vivaxia?” he demanded.

“He… he just told me to ask…” I trailed off, my brow coming down.

Az had just spoken to me.

Out loud.

My eyes widened as I stared at him.

Reading my shocked expression, some of his relaxed confidence returned.

“Hold on. How long have you been in control?” I demanded. Because Az had just answeredout loud. The hairs rose on the back of my neck as my heart thundered in my chest. The urge to run from a predator made my knees weak.

I locked them, but my fingers itched at my hip for a blade.