009: The Revelation

Hannah’s POV

The worry etched on his face softened as he offered me a gentle smile, one that reached his deep blue eyes, making them sparkle with warmth. His expression was so sincere that it momentarily melted the tension between us.

“Hannah,” Xavier began, almost as if lost in thought, murmuring my name softly, like a chant. There was something mesmerizing about the way his deep voice wrapped around each syllable, making my name sound almost sacred.

I hated to admit it, but there was a fluttering in my stomach—a knowing sensation I hadn't felt in a long time—just from hearing him say my name over and over again.

He turned toward me, his eyes still holding that warm glint, and introduced himself. "I’m King Xavier Bonnet. But you can call me Xavier."

The title hung in the air, heavy and imposing, but I didn’t react the way he seemed to expect. His smile faltered, his brow furrowing as a shadow of doubt crossed his face.

He must have assumed I’d already heard the rumors about him—dark,