Chapter 47

• I slipped out of the room, the image of Xavier's peaceful face etched in my mind, his deep breaths a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me. The echo of Annie's voice from my nightmare pulled me through the darkened hallway and out into the cool night air. My feet carried me across the dew-kissed grass, instinctively knowing where to go, as if the magic swirling in my veins was a compass leading me to a hidden treasure.
• "Serena," the young woman's voice was a whisper, but it cut through the silence like a knife. A young blond lady stood before me, her form wavering like a mirage in the garden’s dim light.
• "Annie... is it you?" I asked, my suspicion was a tangible thing between us.