Chapter 89: Tavian's Redemption

The pain was intense, a searing agony that threatened to overwhelm him. He clenched his fists, gritting his teeth as he fought to endure. Through the haze of pain, he felt the connection weakening, the puppeteers' hold on his mind slowly slipping away.

And then, with a final burst of energy, the pain subsided. Xavier's eyes flew open, and he took a shaky breath. The room was silent, the tension lifting as the realization set in that the device had worked.

Victor stepped back, wiping sweat from his brow. "It's done."

Xavier looked around the room, meeting the eyes of his friends – Sophia, Maya, Tavian, Gabriel, and the others. Their expressions were a mix of relief and gratitude.

"Thank you, Victor," Xavier said, his voice filled with emotion. "You saved me."

Victor offered a tired smile. "We're a team, Xavier. We'll always have each other's backs."