Chapter 104

Xavier sighed, massaging his temples. I knew I was being stubborn. I understood that Xavier would worry less if I were safe—and so would Steve and Connor. But I also recognized that I could help them, and I wouldn't allow myself to back down.

Deep inside, I felt utterly exhausted. The night had been restless, and while I woke up with a stronger, unbruised body—a result of the months of training—I felt like the damage of despair had been imprinted beneath my skin. It wasn't visible, but it hurt just the same.

I caught a glimpse of Connor's head and his eyes peering above the headrest in front of me. "He's right. You don't need to do this. We haven't had the time to finish your training. You're not ready. Hell, we're trained and we aren't ready," Connor chimed in.

So much for Xavier being quiet to keep the others out of it. I sighed before answering, feeling the weight of the world upon me.

"No. I'm going. That's my brother in there. My younger brother. And if