The first light of dawn filtered through the small window, casting a soft glow across Xavier’s room as he stood in quiet preparation. He slipped on his dark hooded robe, the fabric heavy with the comfort of familiarity. His heart beat steadily in his chest, a mixture of anticipation and resolve filling him.
Once dressed, he knelt beside his bed, reaching underneath for the hidden compartment he’d always known was there. With a soft click, the drawer slid open, revealing a small box carefully tucked away. His hands paused over it for a moment before he gently lifted it out and opened the lid, revealing the crystal token within. The faint light from the window caught on its surface, refracting into soft colors, making it seem almost alive.
The token glowed faintly, etched with the emblem o
