The moment the words came out of my mouth, I knew it was the wrong thing to say. Phoenix already told me that Emmi is afraid of her fire, and yet, I was so mesmerized once again by seeing my body engulfed in flames that it came out of my mouth before my brain could stop me.
As soon as she opened her eyes, they went wide as saucers, the scent of her fear spiked all around me, and she began screaming as if she really was burning alive.
“Emmi! Emmi!” I say, shaking her, trying to help her focus. When that doesn’t work, I do what comes naturally. I kiss her again. She doesn’t respond right away, flailing as if she’s trying to get away from me, but I hold her steady, using my dragon’s deep, resonating rumble to help her focus.
I hold her face with the hand that was previously holding her han
