Hear me all Albridgians. I've fallen, but I shall arise. I've been weakened, but I will be strong. I've been cut down fiercely so, but I shall be mended again.
-Vinnandra The Hateful's Vow as Written in Chapter 5.
Vinn laid against Xander's chest throughout the night, revelling in the sound of his heartbeat, and in the simple connection of their togetherness.
Xander held her tightly, as the weight of yet another goodbye settled between them. But this time around, the goodbye felt more profound.
When it got to the early hours of morning, probably around three am. Vinn was still awake, unable to muster the ability to sleep despite Xander saying otherwise.
She wanted to be awake…she had to be awake that night.
"You really won't sleep," Xander said abruptly, jolting her from her thoughts. Vinn tightened her hold on him as if he would disappear from the bed that they laid on.