Chapter 15: Eyes in the Distance
Xavier woke to warmth.
Something soft and heavy was resting on his chest.
He opened his eyes to find Serena asleep on top of him, her red hair spread across his shoulder, her breathing slow and even. For a moment, he simply lay there, smiling.
Carefully, he shifted, easing her to the side without waking her.
"Still not used to sharing a bed," he muttered quietly.
Xavier slipped out and headed to the kitchen. Breakfast came together easily—eggs, toast, something simple. By the time Serena wandered out, hair half-tied and eyes half-open, the food was already waiting.
"You're up early," she said.
"Someone has to," Xavier replied.
After their usual routine, they locked up the apartment and headed to Magical Delivery LLC.
The restaurant buzzed with life. Phones rang, orders stacked up, deliveries went out one after another. It was business as usual.
Xavier stretched his neck, wincing.
"Crack, crack," he muttered. "If I keep working like this, I'll be an old man in no time."
From the corner of his eye, he caught Serena laughing.
"What's so funny?" he asked. "You'd be my old lady in that scenario."
Serena shot him a sharp glare. "I am not an old lady. And even if I were, I'd still look better than you."
Xavier laughed and waved her off as he walked toward the break room.
"Serena," he said over his shoulder, "we need to get stronger if we want to expand the business, right?"
She paused.
"Yes," Serena replied slowly. "You especially need to get stronger."
Xavier stopped and turned back. "What do you mean?"
"There have been people watching the business," she said calmly. "From a distance."
Xavier frowned. When Serena had first mentioned it, he'd assumed it was paranoia—or maybe early curiosity. Now, hearing it again, the weight of her words settled in.
"…Already?" he muttered.
"Yes," Serena said. "Which means it's time."
Xavier nodded once. "Then let's spar. No bets this time—just training."
A strange smile spread across Serena's face.
It wasn't playful.
It wasn't teasing.
It was sharp.
"What's with that look?" Xavier asked cautiously. "You know something I don't?"
"Nothing at all," Serena replied sweetly. "Let's use the open space."
The two of them stepped outside behind the building, where an empty lot stretched wide—unused, cracked concrete perfect for training.
Xavier rolled his shoulders, already preparing himself.
Far away, hidden among shadows and rooftops, a figure watched them closely.
The man raised a phone to his ear.
"Sir," he said quietly, eyes never leaving the pair. "The two targets are about to engage in combat. I should be able to gauge their strength… and weaknesses."
A pause.
"Good work," came the reply.
The call ended.
Back in the open lot, Xavier squared his stance.
Serena took a single step forward.
And the air around her shifted.