Claws of Fate

Civil War

Alberta, Canda, 1861

The Howlett estate had remained a sanctuary, but the world beyond its borders was in turmoil. We had returned home a couple years after hearing the news of the death of our mother. She had taken her life not too long after we fled that solemn night.

I sat by the fireplace, the warmth barely touching the chill that had settled in my bones. The crackling flames cast flickering shadows on the walls, mirroring the turmoil in my mind. A war had begun, and its ripples were felt even in the quiet corners of Alberta. I knew James would want to help it's just who he was.

Right on cue, I could hear my brother's heavy footsteps walking in, his face a mask of grim determination.

"Morgan, we need to talk," He said, his voice heavy with urgency. I already knew where this conversation was going.

I looked up at him, trying to read his expression. "What is it, James?"

"There's news from the south. The war, they're calling it a Civil War...it's getting worse. I can't just sit here and do nothing. I want to join the military to help."

Despite knowing exactly what actions he wanted to take I still felt my heart sink. "James, are you sure? It's dangerous."

He nodded, his jaw set. "I know it's dangerous, but with our abilities, we can make a difference. I can't stand by and do nothing."

Victor appeared, leaning against the doorframe with his usual nonchalance. "He's right, Morgan. We can't ignore what's happening. But don't get it twisted, I'm not going for the same reasons as Jimmy." His eyes glinted with a dangerous light.

"What do you mean, Victor?" I asked, dread pooling in my stomach.

Victor shrugged. "War is war. It's a chance to test out limits, to fight without restraint. You think I'm going to pass that up?"

James glared at our older brother. "This isn't a game, Victor. People are dying! Good people! I'm going to help, not for your twisted idea of fun."

I stepped between my brothers, trying to defuse the tension. "I'm coming with you."

James shook his head, worry evident in his eyes. "Morgan, it's too dangerous. I don't want you getting hurt."

I met his gaze with determination. "My abilities are far more advanced than both of yours. I can hold my own, and wherever you go, I go. We're a team, remember?"

Victor smirked. "She's got a point, Jimmy. She's tougher than she looks."

James sighed, defeated. "Fine. But we're sticking together. No one goes off on their own."

As we made our way to the registration office the small building was bustling with activity. Soldiers and civilians alike filled the space, the air thick with anticipation and anxiety. James stepped forward, addressing the recruitment officer behind the desk.

"We're here to enlist," James said firmly.

The officer looked up, sizing us up. "Names and age?"

"James Howlett 29, Victor Creed 31, and Morgan Howlett 24," James replied.

The officer's gaze lingered on me, his brow furrowing. "You want to enlist, miss? This is a war of men."

My eyes narrowed on the man. "I'm more capable than most men. My brothers and I are a team. We fight together."

The officer scoffed. "This isn't a place for a woman. Go back home to the kitchen and leave the fighting to the men."

"Excuse me?" I ask him, my voice low and angry.

James stepped forward, anger flaring in his eyes ready to defend me but Victor was quick to stop him. "Hold on, Jimmy. Let her have her fun she can hold her own."

I leaned over the desk, grabbed the officer by his uniform, and lifted him off the ground. "You'll let me register, or I swear I'll make you regret it right here right now."

The room went silent, the two soldiers standing by drawing their riles aiming at me. I didn't react knowing they were of no harm to me. James and Victor moved swiftly, knocking the weapon out of their hands. The officer's face turned pale, fear etched in his eyes.

"Fine, fine! Just put me down!" He stammered.

I dropped him, and he straightened his uniform, quickly scribbling my name on the enlistment forms. "She's crazy," he muttered under his breath.

As we left the office I was still upset about the encounter, walking in an angry stride alongside my brothers. James turned to me, concern in his eyes. "Morgan, you can't just lose your temper like that, you could've gotten hurt. What if they had shot at you for attacking an officer like that?"

I shrugged, my anger still simmering. "Then I would've just healed James."

My brother sighed, frustration evident in his voice. "That's not the point. You need to keep your temper in check before it becomes the death of you."

Victor chuckled, clearly proud of the situation. "I like it. He got what he deserved."

I took a breath in as I could see the worry sitting in James' eyes. He was only trying to protect me and I gave him a bashful smile. "Don't worry, Jimmy. I don't plan on dying anytime soon."

Virginia, 1864

The battlefield was a hellish landscape of mud, blood, and chaos. The sound of gunfire and explosions was deafening, and the air was thick with smoke. James, Victor, and I fought side by side, our abilities giving us an edge in the brutal conflict.

James glanced at me, worry etched across his face. "Stay close, Morg. This is worse than anything we've faced before."

I nodded, my eyes scanning the battlefield. "I'm not going anywhere, Jimmy."

Victor, a few paces ahead, let out a wild laugh as he tore through enemy lines with a ferocity that unnerved even me. "This is what I live for!" He shouted, his voice filled with a twisted kind of joy.

I frowned, my concern for our older brother growing. "James, something's changed in him. He's different."

As the battle raged on, I found myself separated from my brothers. I fought my way through the chaos, my claws glimmering in the dim light from being coated in blood. Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice.

"Wolvie, over here!" It was Victor, his voice tinged with a rare note of urgency.

I turned to see Victor pinned by enemy fire. Without hesitation, I charged forward, cutting down the soldiers attacking my brother. Victor looked up at me, a strange mixture of pride and something darker in his eyes.

"Thanks, sis." He said, his voice unusually soft.

I nodded, breathing heavily. "We stick together, remember?"