Mia was barely awake when she saw Xavier towering above her. Her lashes were further pulled apart, and she saw the lingering smile on his face. It chilled her from the inside out.

"Xavier!" she called, trying out a smile that caused a breakage on her dry lips as well as the skin of her face. "You came for me!"

"I did. Now come," he stretched his hand to her.

She lifted her weak trembling hand slowly to take him but lost the strength halfway through. Her hand fell back, but he caught it midway and pulled her up and wrap his arms around her for a comforting hug. She...