Chapter 20

• As they navigate the Shadow Realm, Xavier's behavior grows increasingly distant. Astrid senses the change but attributes it to the stress of their mission. She can't shake the feeling that something is wrong, but she pushes it aside, focusing on their goal.
• Nova, ever perceptive, notices the shift too. "Are you okay, Xavier?" she asks quietly, falling into step beside him.
• Xavier glances at her, his eyes briefly flashing with an emotion Nova can't quite place. "I'm fine," he replies curtly. "Just focused on the task at hand."