Sophia Moore's POV

When I left Xavier's house, I was in a daze.

I wandered through a nearby park, Eventually, I collapsed onto a bench, my limbs heavy, my thoughts scattered. A deep, aching helplessness settled in my chest—everything had spiraled beyond anything I'd anticipated.

Xavier's words cut like knives, cold and sharp.

And he was right.

I was too weak. I could barely protect myself, let alone take ...