Page 279 of Black Reign

And for the first time in years, being found doesn't feel anything like being caught.

A log snaps in two.

The crack punches through the quiet room and jerks me awake.

For several seconds, I don't know where I am.

Darkness.

Firelight.

Rain still whispering against glass.

My neck hurts from sleeping at an angle, one hand tucked beneath my cheek. The blanket has slipped down around my waist, and the room is almost completely black except for the low orange glow of the fire.

Then something moves across from me.

Xavier.

Still there.

His jacket is gone. His tie too. White shirt open at the throat, sleeves rolled to his forearms. He sits in the armchair with one ankle resting over his knee, his face mostly shadow.

Watching me.

I blink slowly.

“What time is it?”

“Past midnight.”

His voice sounds different in the dark.

Lower.

Rough.

Like gravel dragged over silk.

I try to sit up and immediately wince when my neck protests.

Xavier is out of the chair before I can complain.

“Easy.”

“I slept wrong.”

“You slept folded like luggage.”

“I was comfortable.”

“You’re lying.”

“Probably.”

His hand slides beneath my hair, fingers finding the back of my neck. He rubs gently once, and my eyes nearly close again.

“That hurts?”