The sudden patter of small footsteps made everyone freeze. A tiny figure appeared in the doorway, his eyes wide with fear and confusion.
Miguel stood there clutching his teddy bear, Mr. Growls, to his chest. His small face crumpled at the sight before him—blood, guns, and the adults who were supposed to keep him safe all looking broken and desperate.
"Mommy?" His voice was small and scared when he noticed his mom being held at gunpoint.
Selena's face drained of color. "Miguel! No!" she whispered.
Xavier's attention snapped to the boy, his eyes lighting up with sudden calculation. The gun in his hand wavered, then slowly turned toward the child.
"Come here, boy," Xavier called, his voice honey-sweet despite the madness in his eyes.
Victor noticed the shift, saw the way Xavier's body l
