THE NEXT DAY
ISABELLA'S POINT OF VIEW:
I couldn't help but smile when I saw Xavier sitting up. His color had returned to normal, and the pain that had twisted his features was finally gone. He looked... well, almost like his old self again. It was strange, seeing him look so much like the person I remembered from before, but there was something different now. Something softer, maybe. More... human? I sighed and glanced at him, trying not to stare too long. There were still too many unanswered questions. So many layers I hadn't peeled back yet.
"Xavier." I said, almost cautiously. "You're looking much better."
His eyes flicked to me, and for a second, I thought he might say something snarky or cold, but instead, he simply nodded.
"Thanks." He said.
