Chapter 123

Xavier felt his eyes flutter open, and he looked around. A sharp pain surged through his head, and a throbbing ache followed.

He raised his hand to his face and clenched his fist. “I am awake,” he said inwardly. His eyes scanned the room as he lay there. He turned to his side and saw a space.

Did she not come back to the room last night? Or was she already going about her activities? He sat up slowly and felt pain spread through his entire body, as if he had been dragged around the house.

He looked around, and his eyes landed on the wall clock. It was past ten a.m., and he should not, under any circumstances, still be at home. His gaze fell on the table, where a tray of neatly arranged dishes sat, sealed shut.

He stood up and felt a headache coming on. On the tray were a note, a bottle of aspirin, and a glass of water. He picked up