Lisa’s hand clamped firmly over Xavier’s mouth as she dragged him back into the corner of the foyer, away from the guards who stood a few paces away. She leaned close, intending to demand answers, but his hand shot up before she could even get a word out and caught her wrist.

Xavier twisted sharply, turning her body so that her back pressed against his chest. His grip was firm, and his movements were practiced, but Lisa reacted just as quickly. She wrenched his wrist, pivoted her weight, ...