The drive to the Avila mansion after school felt shorter than usual. Claire sat in the passenger seat of Xander’s car, still wearing her uniform, her fingers nervously tapping against her thigh. The bruise on her nose had faded to a yellowish shadow, but the memory of the handball incident lingered like a bruise on her confidence.
“You don’t have to do this today,” Xander said gently, glancing over at her. “We can wait until you’re fully healed.”
Claire shook her head. “I want to start now. I don’t want to feel helpless again.”
Xander’s hand found hers, squeezing reassuringly. “You’re never helpless. But I understand. Alissa will go easy on you.”
When they arrived at the mansion, Alissa was already waiting on the sprawling training grounds behind the main house. The area was impressive
