Nathan paced the room like a caged animal, his hands clenched into fists and his jaw tight with frustration. The low flicker of candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, making the room feel more oppressive. His thoughts raced, each one louder and angrier than the last.
"Alive," he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with disbelief. "He's alive. That bastard should've been rotting in the queen's lair!" He slammed his fist against the wooden table, the sharp sound echoing in the confined space.
The door creaked open, and Maya stepped inside. She carried an air of quiet confidence, her gaze sharp and unreadable. Nathan turned to her, his expression a mixture of anger and desperation.
"You," he snarled, pointing a finger at her. "You told me Xavier wouldn't make it out of there. You swore to me the queen would never let him go!" His voice rose with each word, his frustration boiling over.
