Amelia
The insistent beeping of my alarm clock jolted me awake at 4:00 AM, its hard sound cutting through the peaceful darkness like a blade.
For a moment, I lay disoriented in the darkness, my body aching for more sleep. Then the memories of last night's confrontation with Xavier flooded back, and I sat bolt upright. Training at dawn. I had to be ready.
I slipped out of bed, wincing as my bare feet touched the cold floor. The mansion was silent, most members still deep in slumber. I moved quickly through my morning routine, and I'd splashed cold water on my face repeatedly to chase away any lingering drowsiness, braiding my long brown hair tightly against my scalp to keep it out of the way.
The face that stared back at me from the mirror above my basin looked pale but determined, e
