Claire’s POV. 

“You said what?” I asked, my eyes wide. My heart was beating so fast I could hear it. For a moment, I thought I didn’t hear him well.

You said what?” I asked, my voice shaking with surprise. My heart was racing so fast it almost hurt. For a second, I thought I had misheard him.

But when I saw the small, certain nod from Alpha Damien, the truth hit me. My eyes widened, and I couldn’t stop the burst of excitement that rushed through me. I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth before I started laughing and jumping like a child.

“I can’t believe this! Are you serious?” I said, my voice full of pure joy. The calm and serious part of me completely disappeared.

Alpha Damien just stared at me, startled. He wasn’t used to seeing me this way. I tried to compose myself, pressing my hands against my chest to steady my breathing, but I could still feel the happiness bubbling inside me.

For once, I didn’t care about acting properly as I was simply too happy.

But when Alpha Damien nodded, my mouth dropped open. I felt a rush of joy run through me, and before I knew it, I was jumping in excitement like a child.

“Are you serious?!” I shouted, smiling so wide my cheeks hurt. I couldn’t stay still to even compose myself.

Alpha Damien raised a brow, looking surprised, like he didn’t expect me to act that way. I quickly tried to calm down, pressing my hands to my chest, but I was still smiling.

But before I could say another word, Alpha Damien’s calm but firm voice stopped me.“There’s a condition, Claire.”

“One… condition?” I asked softly, my voice much quieter now. My smile slowly faded as I blinked, trying to understand what he meant.

I took a slow breath and forced myself to stand still. My hands dropped from my chest, and I tried to compose myself. I straightened my posture and met his gaze.

“I’m listening, " I said, quietly, my excitement now replaced with worry.

He went back to his chair, in his calm yet firm tone. “You won’t use your powers unless I say so, live in the accommodation provided by me and from now on, you report everything directly to me. No questions asked.”

My lips parted slightly, but before I could speak, he added, “You can speak up when I allow it.”

I lowered my eyes, nodding slowly, even though inside, I wanted to say something.

And one more thing,” he said. “You don’t decide when to go to the human world. I’ll let you know when it’s time.”

I gasped, looking upwards. My fingers tightened slightly at my sides. 

I wanted to protest, to tell him I could handle myself but the way he looked at me made the words die in my throat.

So I just nodded, and kept my eyes down for the second time but Inside, a mix of frustration and disappointment pressed against my chest.

I walked out of Alpha Damien’s office quietly, my heart felt heavy. His words still ring in my head. How can I stay without my powers, report everything, It felt like my freedom had just been locked away.

As I turned down the hallway, someone suddenly blocked my path. I looked up and saw one of Xavier’s minions smirking at me.

“Well, if it isn’t the rogue,” he said.

I stopped on my track and tightened my jaw. “What did you just call me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

He chuckled and stepped closer. “You heard me. Rogues don’t belong here.”

My hands curled into fists. “Say that again,” I warned.

He did, with that same smug smile.

Before I knew it, I pushed him hard. He stumbled back, but came charging at me. I moved fast, blocking his arm and hitting him in the chest. He tried to grab me, but I kicked his leg and he fell.

Anger burned through me. Punching every part of his body recklessly until our trainer came to separate us.

“Enough!” our training master shouted, rushing in.

He pulled me back while another guard helped the minion up. My breathing became ragged as my heart raced.

The master glared at me. “What were you thinking, Claire?”

I looked down, unable to speak, and my anger had already faded, leaving only the weight of sadness and regret lingering around me.

Before I could calm down, I heard footsteps coming from behind. The hallway quickly went quiet. 

Alpha Damien stepped out of his office.

When his eyes met mine, my heart sank. He didn’t say anything at first, but the look on his face said it all.

His jaw was tight, and his brows were slightly drawn together, but he didn’t shout, his face remained calm. He just looked at me in a way that made my chest tighten and my breathing turn unsteady. 

 I tried to stay calm, but my chest felt tight, and my hands were shaking a little.

“Claire,” he said in a harsh, cold tone made me flinch. “Come to my office. Now.”

I swallowed hard and nodded. Everyone around us moved back quietly.

As I walked past him, I could still feel his heavy gaze on me, filled with disappointment, which made my steps slower and my heart ache.