Axel’s POV

Alexa’s face came into focus above me, it was tear-streaked, pale, but smiling. “You’re awake,” she whispered, voice trembling as she pressed a cold cloth to my forehead.

I managed a weak smile. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“You almost were one,” she shot back, voice cracking. “I thought you’d died, Axel. You stopped breathing for a minute.”

“Hey,” I reached for her hand, my throat dry. “Don’t cry. I’m fine now.”

Her tears fell ...