Chapter40:Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Taking A Stand CELESTE I felt a flutter of anxiety at the thought of leaving the house. Yesterday's attack had shaken me more than I wanted to admit, and the idea of being out in public, exposed and vulnerable, made my stomach clench. Xenois seemed to sense my hesitation. He set down his spatula and came around the counter to stand beside me, his hand resting gently on my shoulder. "The choice is entirely up to you," he said quietly. "If you'd rather stay home, we can have a quiet day here. Watch movies, play board games, just relax. Whatever makes you feel comfortable." His understanding, his willingness to let me make the decision, was both reassuring and confusing. The old Xenois would have made plans and expected everyone to fall in line. He wouldn't have consulted me about my comfort level or given me veto power over family activities. "What about security?" I asked, voicing the concern that was uppermost in my mind. "Already handled," he said, his voice taking o