Page 235 of Black Reign

“Disfigurement remains under consideration.”

A laugh escapes me.

It hurts my lip.

I wince.

His expression changes instantly.

“Don't make me laugh,” I mutter.

“You started it.”

He stands.

The doctor arrives two minutes later.

I dislike him immediately because he wants to examine me.

Xavier remains in the room.

That should bother me.

It doesn't.

The doctor checks my head, pupils, wrists, lip, blood pressure, ribs.

Nothing broken.

Mild concussion possible.

Cuts need cleaning.

Rest.

Observation.

Xavier listens like he's memorizing every word.

When the doctor finally leaves, I expect the interrogation to begin.

Instead Xavier walks toward the kitchen.

I stare after him.

“What are you doing?”

“Tea.”

I blink.

“Tea.”

“Yes.”

“You're making tea.”

“Yes, Sabine. I understand you've had a difficult evening, but I'm concerned by how surprising you're finding basic nouns.”