Chapter 61. Broken Alpha

Xavier's Pov 

Certainties appeared doomed to fail from the start. The urgent desire to reconcile the schism between my brother and myself proved useless, a bridge too far to cross.

When my feelings got too great to bear, I sought sanctuary in the darkness, away from inquisitive eyes. Tears that begged to flow freely were repressed behind a strong veneer, my countenance a well-crafted mask to protect the fury within. I lingered outside the chamber, barred from entering the holy space that held the thread of life for Levine, waiting for the news that seemed to take a lifetime.

Elodie, a figure of seasoned wisdom and deep spirituality among our flock, finally emerged from the room. Her glance met mine, filled with wisdom and compassion. "He clings to life, despite the fact that the sands of time are shifting. Be ready for whatever fate has in store for you," her words conveyed both solace and grief.

My throat clenched, and a single tear