AT THE SAME TIME
SELENE'S POINT OF VIEW:
The quiet in the room was heavy, almost sacred. Xavier lay there, pale but peaceful, finally drifting deeper into sleep after all the chaos. I sat close, watching his chest rise and fall, each breath a small victory. His face, usually so guarded, looked soft like this, like he could finally rest without fear.
But then... my chest tightened. A sudden sharp squeeze, like someone was gripping my lungs too hard. Panic fluttered up, raw and wild. I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself, but the breath wouldn't come easily. The room spun a little. I couldn't, no, I won't break down here, not now. Silently, I pushed myself off the chair, muscles stiff and trembling. I needed air. Fresh air. Away from this cramped room, away from the worry written on every face.
