Brandon had been right.

I was aching for sleep. For the past week, Carter had me training past 1 at night. You need to catch up with the others. The only motivating thing that he'd said all week.

This was the first day that I had mentally prepared myself to begin training my Curse.

"Look, I've never met anyone with the Curse of telekinesis or controlling emotions but I can teach you one thing," Bexley said.

We were sitting cross-legged on yoga mats in a room attached separately to the gym. "And what would that be?"

"That when you attempt to use your powers, you must clear your mind of all distractions," she stated. "Don't think of anything while you're ordering your head to do something. Ever."

I nodded and she spent the next hour trying to precisely pick up books and place it precisely on the table beside her.

Trixie walked in next. "I don't think that we've properly met yet."

The blue streaks seemed vibrant as ever as she took her seat in front of me. I shook my head at her statement and introduced myself.

"Let's get started. Controlling emotions?"

I shrugged. "I got it from my dad. He had the same Curse-"

"That's great, but can I speak to you about something first?" Trixie asked. "It's about Carter."

"Sure, what is it?"

"He's told me about the connection he feels with you," she said nervously, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"It's not like that, Trixie. We feel-"

"As if you've known each other before. I know. And it happens. The apex are so complex that stuff like this goes on all the time."

She continued, "I have nothing against it, I promise."

"But..." I suggested.

Trixie smiled sadly and said, "He's had a thing with almost every girl in this facility. Obviously, he's changed after we started dating."

I suppressed a gasp as I stared at her. "Ever since you came, I've caught him staring at you and I can tell-"

"Trixie, I promise you can trust me. I won't hurt you or let him use me like that," I said, giving a reassuring smile.

Here she was, one of the most confident girls I've ever met, all nervous and placing her trust in me. She reminded me of Eleanor. I wouldn't let her down at any cost.

"Thank you."

Our training session flew by and consisted of us laughing as I practiced different emotions on her. As I exited the room, Carter was making his way in. We made eye contact but I quickly rushed into the lunchroom, with him gifting me a confused look.

As always, I took my seat next to Chase, who'd already made friends with the other initiates. He introduced me to them like he'd done with some others the previous week. Chase trained with others, mostly as a team, whereas I was a lone wolf. It helped me focus better on improving.

Suddenly a loud clanging brought everyone's attention to Carter that stood on top of a table. "Missions are resuming as of tomorrow. Based on the training assessment, the following initiates are able to participate from now onwards."

I looked up in surprise as I hadn't expected the recruiting to commence so soon. Carter was staring right at me and shook his head at me. I wasn't going to be on that list.

"Congratulations," I whispered to Chase as his name got called out.

I spent the rest of the evening practicing shooting and survival skills. Also, avoiding Carter. I did a lot of that over the next few days. It made it easier as Team Lorin went on a mission for 3 days. But what wasn't easier was mocking from the others.

Fewer of us there but on the final day of endurance without my team was hell. Flynn, the boy who insulted me on my first day, hadn't been chosen as well so he spent the day sparring others. I had done some sparring. Lost a few but won some. Usually resulting in a bloody nose.

Today, Flynn called out to me. He challenged me to spar him. I knew better as he'd beaten up everyone he'd fought against.

I walked into the sparring mat and realised many people began watching. Probably to see how this big man would beat me. But I wasn't going to let him. This could be my ticket to go on missions if I proved myself.

We were circling each other with our guards up. Suddenly, he took a step and struck my nose with his fist. I stumbled backward but caught my balance. Before giving him the advantage, I spun around, sending a hook kick on to his face.

He groaned, stumbling to the ground but regained his posture. This time he kicked straight into my stomach, blood flooding out of my mouth. I fell onto my bottom and watched him repeatedly throw punches into my jaw.

Sebastain's face came into view, his golden eyes gleaming. Fight back, Burn.

I swept my legs around Flynn's face, knocking him backward. He groaned as he tried getting up but I pinned him down with my foot.

"Get off me," he snarled.

I smiled. "As you wish."

I stood up and jumped back down again. My bodyweight slammed into him as my elbow struck into his face.

Silence. He was out cold. Not dead, unfortunately.

"I did it, Ash," I whispered.

Then the pain struck my head from the punches he'd thrown at me earlier. Everyone was gawking at Flynn on the ground but their faces blurred in my eyes. My head hit the ground loudly but I didn't hear it as I'd already passed out.

I must have a nightmare because when I woke up, tears were streaming down my face and Carter was pushing down on my shoulders to avoid me getting a seizure.

"Woah-you're okay- Burn, you're safe," he panted.

I swore under my breath as I wiped off the smudges of tears with my sweaty hands. "How long have I been out?"

"2 days. Also, who's Raven?"

I sat up, staring back and forth from his ebony hair to his eyes. "Why?"

"You were saying the name over and over," he said, taking a seat on the bed near me.

"It doesn't matter," I stated, ripping the blanket off of my body. "I'm ready to go back to training."

There was a pause. I sensed that he was smiling as he said, "You're not."

"I'm not what?"

"Going back to training, Burn," he chuckled. "You're not very bright for a girl that's-"

"Why won't I go back to training?" I interrupted suddenly.

He looked annoyed at my aggression but continued to say, "You're going to be off on your first mission."