17

Charlie's tears flowed uncontrollably, his body shaking.

The door creaked open again, and Charlie's heart skipped a beat.

He sought refuge under the blanket, trembling.

Elijah's angry face appeared, his eyes blazing.

"Who dared hurt you, little one?" Elijah growled.

Before Elijah could comfort Charlie, Xander burst in.

His gaze locked onto Elijah, accusation burning.

"Did you harm my Baby?" Xander snarled.

Elijah's hands rose in defense. "I didn't touch him."

Xander's fury unleashed, fueled by protective instincts.

With a wave of his hand, Xander sent Elijah flying across the room.

Elijah crashed into the wall, stunned.

"You dare touch my Baby?" Xander seethed.

Charlie peeked out from under the blanket, witnessing the chaos.

Xander rushed to Charlie, cradling him close.

"Baby, what happened?" Xander whispered.

Charlie's lips trembled, but he remained silent, crying.

Xander's hold tightened, comforting.

"I'll find out who hurt you," Xander vowed.

Elijah's eyes flashed, his voice low.

"This isn't over, Xander."

The air crackled with tension.

Charlie lay motionless, his tiny form curled into a ball. His eyes, once bright and sparkling, now dull and lifeless, stared blankly into space.

Three days had passed since the incident, and Xander's worry deepened. Charlie's refusal to speak, eat, or play sent Xander's heart racing.

Xander's gentle touch couldn't rouse Charlie from his catatonia. Even the softest whispers went unacknowledged.

Lucas entered the room, concern etched on his face. He approached Charlie, cooing softly.

"Hey, little one, what's wrong?"

Charlie's silence was deafening.

Drake followed, his strong features creased with worry.

"Charlie, buddy, talk to us," Drake urged.

Charlie's stare remained fixed, unyielding.

Xander's eyes welled up with tears. His usually vibrant Baby now seemed a fragile, broken doll.

Meals arrived, and Xander coaxed Charlie to eat. Charlie's lips remained sealed, his gaze drifting away.

Sleep eluded Charlie, or so it seemed. He'd curl up, eyes open, and stare into the darkness.

Xander's anguish intensified. His Baby's sorrowful eyes haunted him.

The palace's warmth and laughter seemed lost, replaced by an oppressive stillness.

In the shadows, Elijah watched, his expression unreadable.

As night descended, Xander cradled Charlie close, desperate to reach his Baby.

"Please, Charlie, come back to me," Xander whispered, his voice trembling.

Charlie's silence was his only response.

The morning dim light struggled to penetrate the palace's gloom, mirroring Charlie's listless demeanor.

Breakfast unfolded in silence, the usual warmth replaced by concern.

Elijah's gaze drifted to Charlie, his thoughts swirling.

"Could I be the cause of his suffering?" Elijah wondered.

Memories of Charlie's tears when he entered the room resurfaced.

Elijah's eyes shifted to Cloud, seated across from him.

"Perhaps Charlie's distress is connected to Cloud," Elijah mused.

He chose to ignore it, wary of Xander's wrath.

The memory of being thrown against the wall still stung.

Elijah's powers, though considerable, paled beside Xander's royal vampire abilities.

Teleportation and water manipulation were his strengths, but caution prevailed.

He didn't dare challenge Xander openly.

Elijah focused on his breakfast, eating silently.

Cloud's presence seemed to grow, his eyes fixed on Charlie.

Xander's protective instincts remained on high alert.

Drake and Lucas exchanged worried glances.

The tension hung, a palpable fog.

Suddenly, Cloud pushed back his chair.

"I need to speak with Xander," Cloud announced.

Xander's eyes narrowed.

"What is it, Cloud?"

The air thickened.