Page 20 of Cyborg's Tether
She tried to put weight on her foot, wincing at the sharp pain. “I... I don’t think so. It might be sprained.”
Without a word, he scooped Amaya into his arms, cradling her against his chest. She gasped at the sudden movement, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Hold on,” he said quietly. “I’ll get us out of here.”
As he carried her through the crumbling facility, she was overwhelmed by conflicting emotions. Fear and adrenaline still coursed through her veins, but there was also a sense of safety in his arms. “Xavier,” she said softly, her lips close to his ear. “About what I said earlier...”
He glanced down at her, his expression unreadable. “Now isn’t the time.”
She nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. Of course, he was right—they were in the middle of a life-or-death situation. Her confession could wait. Still, she wondered if his response was a gentle rejection or simply a postponement of the conversation.
As they neared the exit, a final explosion rocked the building. He stumbled, nearly losing his grip on her. She clung to him tightly as chunks of debris rained down around them. “We’re almost there. Just hold on a little longer.”
With a final burst of speed, he charged through the exit, emerging into the harsh light of day. The air was thick with dust and smoke, but it was blissfully free of the oppressive heat and chaos of the collapsing facility.
Xavier didn’t stop running until they were a safe distance away. Finally, he gently set her down, hands lingering on her waist to steady her. They stood there for a moment, both breathing heavily, as the reality of their narrow escape sank in.
She looked up at him, taking in the cuts and bruises on his face that were already starting to heal thanks to the cyberneticsinterface. Without thinking, she reached up, cupping his cheek gently in her hand. “Thank you for saving my life.”
He leaned into her touch, his expression softening. “Amaya, I—”
The sound of approaching vehicles cut off his words. Reinforcements had arrived, ready to secure the area and tend to the wounded. The moment between them shattered, reality intruding once again.
As medical personnel rushed toward them, she was relieved but also frustrated. They were safe, but so many questions remained unanswered. She glanced at Xavier, catching his eye. The intensity of his gaze told her their conversation wasn’t over—it was merely postponed.
For now, they had survived. Everything else could wait.
Chapter 8—Xavier
XAVIER STRODE THROUGHthe sterile corridors of the medbay, his cybernetic eye scanning for potential threats. The soft hum of medical equipment filled the air as he approached Amaya’s bed. She lay still, her face pale against the crisp white sheets.
“How are you feeling?” he asked with concern.
Her eyelids fluttered open. “Better, thanks to the nanites they injected. Still sore, but I’ll live.”
He nodded. “Good. We need you at full strength.”
As a medical droid approached to discharge Amaya, he helped Amaya to her feet, supporting her weight as they exited the medbay a short time later. The corridors seemed eerily quiet as they made their way toward the residential sector.
“I can walk on my own now,” she said, pulling away slightly.
He reluctantly released her but stayed close. As they rounded a corner, the lights flickered ominously.
“That’s not good,” whispered Amaya.
Xavier’s cybernetic eye whirred as it adjusted to the dimmer light. “Stay behind me.”
They continued down the hallway. As they neared Amaya’s quarters, a distant explosion rocked the facility.
“Not again.” Amaya groaned.
Alarms blared to life, bathing the corridor in pulsing red light. His combat systems fully engaged, flooding his body with adrenaline and activating hidden weapon systems.
“Get inside,” he ordered, pushing Amaya toward her door.
“But I can help.” she protested.
“You’re still injured. I need you safe and resting so you can continue our work later.”