Chapter 79

I slipped into the hall, my senses heightened. I could hear the low murmur of a conversation, urgency laced in their tones, but the words remained indistinct. As I paced the floor, I strained to listen, wishing I could connect mentally with Xavier. It would have been beneficial right now.

I focused on him, hoping to tap into any lingering connection that might have remained since the night we shifted. Time and again since that night, I had felt like Xavier was reading my thoughts, but now, nothing. There was an unsettling silence in my mind.

I paused just out of their line of sight, my temper beginning to simmer. Having been dismissed and belittled throughout my teenage years, I was now more sensitive than ever to their apparent disregard for my presence in the room. They shouldn't be keeping secrets from me. I had trusted them wholeheartedly, especially Xavier.

They rushed back in, each heading to their own rooms, and my instincts compelled me to follow Xavier. I