Xavier's world snapped back with a violent lurch. His body arched off the ground as if struck by lightning, every vein lit up with searing heat. A raw cry ripped out of his throat before he even realized it. His limbs thrashed against the floor, fingers clawing at nothing.
"Xavier!" Lyra's voice broke, panicked, as she dropped to her knees beside him. She gripped his shoulders, trying to steady him, but the tremors in his body were too strong. Her eyes glistened with guilt, her words tumbling out fast and sharp. "It's my fault. I should've stopped him, I should've—damn it, wake up!"
Lilia's hands fluttered uselessly at first, then pressed to his chest as if she could will his heart to calm. "Don't you dare leave us like this," she whispered, her voice trembling, rising higher with every second. "Come on, open your eyes! Please—please—!"
