THE HEROS OF GODOLKIN | GEN V AND THE BOYS FIC |

5.

FLASHBACK

"Claire, why!?" her mother's voice cracked with frustration, echoing in the living room. Claire, standing rigid with clenched fists, snapped back, "That stupid Spanish girl was in my way!" Her words were laced with venom, her young face twisted with defiance.

Her mother's expression shifted into one of bewildered anger. "That is extremely rude, Claire! You didn't need to hurt her brother!" she shouted, disbelief seeping into her voice.

Ten-year-old Claire tilted her head, a giggle escaping her lips. It was almost unsettling, a child too aware of her own power. "I didn't hurt him," she said with a smirk. "He hurt himself."

Her mother scoffed, eyes narrowing. "You told that boy to break his arm just because he was defending his sister!" Her voice trembled with both anger and sadness. "You're a bully, Claire! Get out of my house!"

Claire's eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. "Wait... what?" she whispered, confusion and fear creeping into her tone.

"Go!" her mother repeated, her hand shaking as she pointed toward the door.

That was all it took to ignite Claire's fury. Her breathing grew ragged, anger coursing through her small body. Without a second thought, she tore off her gloves, ready to reach out and force her mother to take it all back with just one touch, one command. Her touch telepathy surged within her, aching to be unleashed.

But before her hand could make contact, something cold and sharp pricked the back of her neck. Claire froze, her vision blurring as her father's voice rang in her ears. "Claire, stop!" he barked, his arms wrapping around her to hold her steady as he injected her with something.

The drug acted quickly, overwhelming her senses, dulling the angry storm inside her. The power she was about to release slipped away, leaving her weak, her limbs heavy. She stumbled, the room spinning as her strength gave out. Her gloved hand, once ready to control, fell limp by her side.

Her father lowered her to the ground as her eyelids fluttered shut, his voice a distant echo. Claire's world faded to black, her telepathy locked away for now.

--------------------------

Claire sighed, setting her phone down on the table. She had been watching an old video of herself as a child, a reminder of a time when things were simpler-before all the complications, the powers, and the secrets. Andre and Claire had brought Cate back to Andre's dorm last night after everything that had happened. Andre had told Claire she could leave, that he'd take care of Cate. She had done just that, leaving the two of them alone. Now, it was the next day, and she and Cate had decided to hang out before the gala, a memorial for Brink included in tonight's events.

They strolled through the campus grounds, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows as they walked side by side. Claire glanced at Cate, trying to gauge how she was holding up after the tumultuous events of the past few days.

"So, how are you doing?" Claire asked, her voice soft as they continued their walk.

"I'm good," Cate replied with a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Andre and I... well, we had sex last night," she added, her tone nonchalant, but the hint of a smirk on her lips showed she was still pleased about it.

Claire stopped in her tracks, turning to Cate with wide eyes. "Wait, what? After you had a seizure?" The shock was evident in her voice.

Cate chuckled, shaking her head as she continued walking. "Yeah, I guess that's one way to deal with a near-death experience," she replied with a shrug, the corners of her mouth quirking up in amusement.