28. Xavier's burrning determination

IN A MORNING

XAVIER'S POINT OF VIEW:

The soft glow of dawn filtered through the narrow opening of our cave, but there was no warmth in my heart this morning. I moved through the dimly lit cavern, my footsteps echoing off the ancient stone walls, and immediately noticed the tension in the air. The others Michael and Terrence were huddled in low voices, their worried faces illuminated by flickering torchlight. Something was wrong.

"Where is she?" Terrence demanded in a hushed tone, his eyes darting about as if searching for an answer among the shadows.

I stopped short and frowned.

"Wanessa is gone. She's vanished from her chamber, and no one's seen her anywhere in the cave." My voice was low and angry.

Before I could speak again, Priestess Isabella stepped forward from the darkness. Her usually calm demeanor was laced with concern.

"Xavier, perhaps we should organize a search immediately-" She began.