Chapter 46

Xavier awoke to the sound of hushed voices. The faint scent of coffee hung in the air, mixing with the damp, earthy smell of the cabin. The night before had been a blur—Elizabeth's arms around him, her whispered reassurances, and the exhaustion that had overtaken him.

He sat up slowly, wincing as the cuts and bruises from his escape made themselves known. The room was dimly lit, and through the cracked door, he could hear Clara and Grant talking.

"We can't just keep running," Clara said, her tone sharp but low. "Anderson's reach is too vast. He'll find us eventually."

"Which is why we need to take the fight to him," Grant replied. "Sitting back and waiting is a death sentence."

Xavier pushed the blanket off and swung his legs over the side of the cot. His body protested, but he forced himself to his feet. Every second they spent hiding was a second Anderson was regrouping.