Chapter 15

When Rowan woke up, the hospital room was crowded with people. Xavier stood closest to the bed. The moment he saw Rowan stir, he immediately told the others to get the doctor. Rowan's eyelids felt impossibly heavy, like something was pressing down on them with unbearable weight. His throat was raw, and his lips moved slowly as he tried to speak. Xavier leaned closer, barely catching the repeated whisper. "Joanna… Joanna…" His face stiffened. For a moment, he didn't know how to face Rowan now that he was awake. The doctor arrived soon after, and it didn't take long for Rowan to open his eyes fully. His gaze went straight past the doctor. He seemed unfazed by the pain running through his body, his eyes locked firmly on Xavier. Xavier dropped his head and bit down on his lip. "Rowan, I'm sorry. We've searched everywhere. We even pulled in favors, traced everything… but there's still no sign of Joanna. "It's like she vanished into thin air." After all, there was no way a living,