Tears ran down my cheeks as Xavier sat beside me, his face calm and unreadable. I couldn’t tell if he noticed my pain.

After ten minutes, Edward brought the car to a stop at the base of the looming mountain.

“I’ll wait here,” Edward said.

“The road ahead is steep and dangerous,” Xavier said. “It will save time if you ride on my back.”

“Not at all,” I replied firmly.

“Very well, as you wish. Just be careful,” he said, his tone carrying quiet resignation.

Xavier ...