AIR Series Book 11 Preview: Between the Worlds

AIR Series Book 11 Chapter 2

It felt as though my chest had seized up, but I managed a few small breaths before I started hacking.

Everything hurt. When the coughing stopped I didn't move. My concentration fixated on the short, shallow breaths I dragged in while trying to ignore the rest of my body.

Then a warm light enveloped me. It was as though the Path had come to pay me a visit, wanting to say hello and see me. For a moment I even thought I might be reading, but my powers were closed off.

There was a thud out in the dark as something fell to the ground. I couldn't muster enough thought to care what it was.

"Cass?" Vincent called.

I blinked and glanced around while trying not to raise my head. Finally Vincent moved himself into my line of sight.

For a moment, he squatted down a few feet away from me and watched, as though he needed confirmation I was alive.

"Are they gone?" I asked. My voice came out scratchy and rough.

Vincent looked as though I had kicked him. "They won't be bothering us again."

Tears welled up and ran down my face sideways. "Both of them?"

Vincent stared behind me. "You won't have to worry about either of them anymore."

My chest was on fire, but I closed my eyes while letting out a deep breath.

"I'm so sorry, Cass," Vincent said.

My eyes were so watery that I couldn't make out his face until he sat on the ground.

"When you're ready, please let me in. It's just to check for injuries. I promise, that if you don't want me close, I'll give you space."

"Of course I—" I started to sit up, but groaned and settled back on the ground.

"Please, just a few minutes."

The shimmering lighted cloud which encased me looked blurred and once again I was reminded of the Path.

Maybe Vincent was reminded of it as well.

I stretched my hand to him. After a moment's hesitation he moved forward until he grabbed hold. His face remained stoic, but anguish rolled off him in waves.

"Let me look you over," Vincent said. "You've got to be exhausted. It's okay to stop reading the Path."

"I'm not using my power," I mumbled.

Vincent helped me roll over and I groaned.

"Anything feel broken?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I can't tell. I don't think so, but..."

"You've got to be burning through a lot of energy right now," Vincent said. He rubbed his hands gently over my legs, checking for injury. "I'll give you some space in a few minutes. Don't feel that you have to have to use your powers."

I resorted to shaking my head. Vincent backed away, and I felt as though I was missing something. It was time to get up—well, sit up at least.

"You have a few cuts," Vincent said, grabbing the first-aid box.

I grimaced when fresh misery rolled over me in a sitting position. My skin made it feel as though I was wrapped in red hot wire.

When Vincent approached me he stopped again. It felt as though he was unsure about getting any closer. My throat burned from choking, screaming, and being strangled, so I waved him over to avoid talking. When he sat beside me he kept me at arm's length, only moving as near as he had to while he searched for any cuts.