Chapter Eighty-six

I took a deep breath as I approached the cells, the heavy scent of damp stone and metal filling my nostrils. This place always gave me the chills, a coldness that seemed to seep into my bones the moment I stepped inside. It wasn’t just the temperature; it was the memories, the tension, the weight of the countless lives that had been held captive here. Lives that were often twisted and broken by the time they were released—or ended. I hated coming here, yet here I was again.

Melissa and Devon had insisted on accompanying me, even though they knew I wanted to confront Xavier alone. They didn’t...