Chapter 78
Betrayed by Blood
"Lydia," a familiar voice hissed close to her ear, and she froze.
The voice... she knew that voice. Slowly, the hand over her mouth eased, and she turned around to face him.
"Xander?"
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There he was, after all these days. He was right there, standing in front of her. She could hardly believe her eyes. He was truly here.
"X-Xander." She called out to him again, her voice rough with emotion.
"It’s me, Lydia."
Lydia gasped, as though his voice solidified it all. It was like the breath she had been holding for days was finally released. She didn’t hesitate for a second.
Lydia closed the space between them, her arms wrapping around Xander’s neck, pulling him into a tight embrace. She squeezed him as though she could never let go, as though she feared if she did, he would disappear again, as though she had never seen him in the first place.
Xander’s body stiffened for a brief moment, but then he exhaled, wrapping his arm around her body. She could feel the stiffness in his body but paid it no mind. All that mattered in that moment was that he was here. Alive.