AT THE SAME TIME
XAVIER'S POINT OF VIEW:
I barely had a moment to react. One second, she was standing in front of me, eyes wide with fear, and the next... I was falling. I had no control over it, no time to think. Her body collided with mine, and the ground disappeared beneath us. We were tumbling, falling together my heart racing in my chest as the wind whipped past, making everything around us blur.
I tried to grab her, tried to pull us both into a safe position, but it was too fast. Too uncontrolled. The world spun. I couldn't even breathe. And then we hit the water. I was submerged instantly, gasping for air as cold water engulfed me, dragging me deeper into the darkness. My hands found the surface, and I fought to break free of the tight grip of the water, my heart still racing. I had to find her. Where was she?
I finally surfaced, coughing and sputtering. My limbs felt like lead as I struggled to swim toward the shore. I couldn't see her.
"Isabella!" I shouted, my voice raw, but the sound was drowned by the rushing water.
I swam harder, pushing myself through the freezing current, forcing my eyes to scan every inch of the murky water. I had to find her. And then, like a cruel twist of fate, I saw her limp and unmoving floating just ahead of me. I reached for her without thinking, pulling her to the surface. The sight of her pale, unconscious face sent a jolt of fear through my entire body. She was so still. Too still.
"Isabella!" I shouted again, but there was no response.
I wasn't sure if it was the cold or the panic that made my fingers numb as I held her to me, trying to keep her head above water. My mind was racing, my heart crashing against my ribs, but I couldn't focus. I had to get her to shore. I had to save her. With all my strength, I kicked toward the shore, fighting the currents and dragging her with me. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I reached the rocky bank, collapsing on the shore with Isabella in my arms. I didn't care how cold and wet I was. I just cared about her. I pulled her carefully out of the water, my mind running a thousand scenarios, none of them good. The fact that she was still unconscious still unresponsive was so terrifying. Her skin was too pale. Her lips were tinged blue.
"Isabella, come on…" I whispered, brushing the wet strands of hair from her face. I tried to keep my voice steady, but it trembled. "Wake up. Please." "Please." I begged again, my voice cracking.
But still, she didn't move. I could feel the world crumbling around me, the edge of panic rising in my throat. There was a sharp ealization that I am losing her. I couldn't let her slip away. Not like this. Without thinking, I dropped to my knees beside her and I frantically checked her pulse nothing. My hands shook as I touched her neck, her wrist, anywhere that might give me a sign that she was still alive. But there was nothing.
"Isabella…" I whispered, my voice hoarse with fear, but it was pointless.
Her eyes were closed, and her lips were an unnatural shade of blue. I couldn't even hear her breathing. No... no, I can't lose her. I pressed my hand against her chest, my heart hammering in my ears. I remembered the basic first aid I'd learned years ago. The procedure. I couldn't think clearly. Not when I was so scared. Without hesitating, I moved quickly, positioning myself over her chest, and placing my hands in the correct spot. My fingers trembled with each movement, but I forced myself to focus.
I took a deep breath, gathering all the strength I had left, and pressed down with enough force to make her chest rise. I counted in my head, the seconds stretching long and endless.
"One… two… three… four…"I whispered.
Each press felt like it took everything from me. My hands ached, my chest tightened, but I kept going. I couldn't stop. Not yet.
"Come on, Isabella, please. Don't leave me like this."I muttered while begging her to wake up..
I pressed down again.
"One… two… three… four…"I whispered.
I could feel myself growing desperate, what if I was too late? I couldn't allow myself to think that way. I took a deep breath and leaned down, forcing myself to be steady as I sealed my lips over hers. I breathed in deeply, trying not to let my panic completely take over. I pulled away, my hands already returning to her chest. I pushed down again, praying, willing her to take another breath, to move, to give me any sign that she was alive. I couldn't stop. Not when she needed me. Not when her life hung in the balance. And then, as if by some miracle, I saw it.Her eyelids fluttered. I almost couldn't believe it at first, but there it was. A slight movement a sign of life.
"Isabella?" I whispered, my voice cracking, trembling with a mixture of relief and exhaustion.
Her eyes focused on me slowly, confusion clouding her expression, but she didn't say anything. She didn't even try to sit up. She just looked at me like she wasn't sure what was happening. I wanted to hold her, to keep her safe forever, but all I could do was keep her close, pressing her gently against my chest.
"Xavier?" She murmured, her voice so faint I almost didn't hear it.
"I'm here." I said softly, my hand brushing her hair out of her face.
She tried to move, but I held her tight, not letting her go. "Don't move." I said, my voice shaking. "You need to rest. You've been through too much."
She stared up at me for a long moment, and I could see the faintest traces of confusion in her eyes, but she didn't argue. She seemed too exhausted to even speak.
"Are you okay?" I asked softly.
I couldn't stop myself from holding her closer, my arms wrapping around her protectively. I didn't care how wet or cold we were. I didn't care about anything but making sure she was alright. I could feel her breathing against me, slow and steady, and that was enough for now.
The moment I held her, I knew. I knew I couldn't let her go. Not after everything she had been through, not after what almost happened.
I had no choice but to take her with me. The castle would be the safest place for her, where I could ensure nothing would hurt her. I couldn't let anyone, not even Alastor or the damn priest, get their hands on her. I stood up slowly, my legs trembling beneath me, but I didn't care. I tightened my grip around her and began walking toward the path leading out of the forest. The journey back would be long, but nothing would stop me now.
The guards stationed around the area had seen the panic in my eyes, heard the urgency in my voice. They didn't dare question me as I passed them, walking faster now, keeping Isabella close to my chest, her delicate form tucked into my arms. I felt the need to protect her, to shield her from the world.
"Get the horses ready!" I shouted to one of the soldiers as I passed the gates of the village.
I had to get back to the castle quickly, before anyone figured out what had happened before the priest or any other enemies could make a move. The soldiers scrambled, and I could hear their boots tapping against the stone road, but my focus was entirely on Isabella. She still hadn't regained full consciousness, and every part of me burned with the need to make sure she was okay. I didn't trust anyone with her. As I neared the edge of the forest, I felt a twinge of something bitter rising in me. Alastor. That bastard priest. He would never stop chasing after her. I had to keep her safe.
With one arm wrapped tightly around her, I kicked the horse into motion, urging it to a gallop, heading toward the safety of the castle. The wind whipped past me, but I barely noticed. My thoughts were on her. The roads stretched on endlessly, and the castle seemed so far away, but I knew I had to keep going. I wouldn't stop until she was inside, surrounded by the strongest defenses I had.
The moment I entered, I gave a sharp order.
"Clear the hallway. I need the best healer immediately!"I shouted.
The castle was bustling with activity as I carried Isabella into the main hall, my eyes scanning every face for any sign of hesitation. No one dared to speak or challenge me. They simply parted to let me pass. I made my way to the private chambers, where the healer was already waiting. She had a stern expression, but when she saw Isabella, her face softened with concern.
"Get her on the bed." The healer instructed quickly, and I gently lowered Isabella onto the soft mattress, her body so fragile in my hands.
"Please... make sure she's alright." I whispered, my voice desperate.
The healer nodded, her experienced hands moving over Isabella's body with practiced ease. She began taking measurements, checking vitals, and muttering to herself as she worked. But I could barely focus on that. All I could do was stand there, watching helplessly. I didn't even realize I was clenching my fists until they ached.
"She'll be fine." The healer reassured me after a long silence. "She just needs rest and some care. She's not in danger, just... exhausted. You've done well to bring her here so quickly."
I nodded, but the tension in my chest didn't ease.
"Good." I muttered under my breath. "But no one is allowed near her. Make sure she's safe."
The healer, sensing my determination, gave a short bow. "Of course, Your Highness. I'll make sure she's watched over."Healer said.
I stepped back from the bed, my gaze lingering on Isabella's still form. I couldn't shake the image of her falling unconscious in my arms.
"She'll be fine." I repeated to myself.
But deep down, I knew I had to protect her. And I would do whatever it took. As I turned to leave the room, I gave another order to the guards stationed outside.
"Double the security. No one enters this castle without my permission. I don't care if they're the king or a beggar. No one. Understood?'I said.
The guards nodded in unison, and I turned away, making my way down the hall. My footsteps echoed in the silence of the castle. I couldn't afford to let my guard down. Not when she was here. Not when there were still people who would do anything to take her away from me.
I couldn't let that happen. Not while I was still breathing.