Moonlight sliced through the darkness, casting a ghostly pall over Cathleen's sleeping form. Xavier sat motionless, an ominous silhouette against the dim light, as he watched her. Her chest rose and fell with rhythmic certainty, yet her words carved the silence with jagged edges.

 

"He killed my daughter because our marriage was a sham," she whispered, "and he didn't want me. Just like he didn't want my daughter. It's just a matter of time before he kills me."

 

The venomous words hung in the air, dripping with accusation and fear. Xavier’s jaw clenched. He reached out, his hand hovering—then waved it gently over her face, testing reality against the nightmares...