Hunter's Daughter

Chapter Ten ~ Alice

My next sparring session was as embarrassing as the first — minus a sore nose. I was thrown to the floor that many times, after a while, I couldn't figure out which way up the world was meant to be. But with each rough landing, I reminded myself to be grateful that Noah pulled his punches, the incident between him and the Marquee mutant creeping to the front of my mind.

It wasn't a surprise Noah was on my father's radar. The boy knew how to cause a scene.

No one had explained why it went down. As far as I was aware, Noah was minding his own business when the white-haired guy approached, attempting to knock my trainer out with a glass bottle. None of it seemed real. The more I tried to believe the past few weeks were reality, the more I began to wonder if I'd been sucked into a tv show or book. Or worse... I'd finally lost the plot.

Those thoughts cleared when Keera visited, lighting up the room in an instant. A welcoming smile shot up my face, growing when I noticed Noah was the absolute opposite, grimacing, probably expecting our third session to be delayed. But better yet — Keera offered to step in.

"I'd like to try something that worked for me," she proposed. "A more relaxed approach."

"Just take over, why don't you?" Noah grumbled, flashing his palms at her and walking off towards the table.

"A brief intrusion," Keera corrected. "I thought Alice might appreciate a change of pace."

I had to school my features, on the verge of throwing my arms around her and spouting thank yous. The lower half of me was patched with bruises, a sore reminder of my training session every time I sat down. A change of pace was not just wanted, but needed.

"Can't hurt," I said to Noah, who heaved a sigh in response.

"Let's get started then," Keera ushered to us, placing herself in the center of the room. I imitated her, crossing my legs, and Noah dawdling on purpose. "First, we need to unwind. Let all your worries melt away. And close your eyes." I obeyed, waiting. "You too, Noah."

There was another harrumph next to me.

"Good. Now, focus on your breathing. In. And out. In... and out."

A calm settled on my shoulders, concentration purely on the rhythm of my chest rising and falling. A distant echo came from Keera and Noah.

"I want you to switch your focus. Keep inhaling, keep exhaling. But focus on what you want most... Alice, why don't you tell us?"

"I want to know how to control my power."

"How does your power work?"

My brow crinkled, and I strained to think, to bring something to mind. Anything. "I don't know."

"Breathe, Alice. You're not letting it come naturally."

"Sorry," I whispered, trying to keep the pace again.

"What do you want most?" Keera repeated.

"Control."

For some reason, an image of my father formed in my minds-eye. His hands were cupped behind his back, posture as straight as ever, staring at me from behind those square frames. He wore a fitted suit, as per the norm, and his salt-and-pepper hair combed neatly to one side.

My father. Frank Jefferson. Leading member of the Hunters.

Was it guilt? Deep down, did I regret going behind his back? Consorting with the enemy?

"What are you thinking, Alice?"

"I... want control."

"Control of what?"