ʟᴀᴛᴇ ɴɪɢʜᴛꜱ ___ wolverine

v

Rhode's POV

The buzz around the mansion was unmistakable-everyone knew about the training session Xavier had scheduled in the Danger Room today. I'd been anxious about it all morning, my nerves buzzing under my skin as I made my way down the hall. This wasn't just another simulation; it was my first real test in front of everyone. And to make things even more intense, Logan was leading it.

When I stepped into the Danger Room, I could already feel the stares. The other students whispered to each other, their eyes flickering toward me. I tried to ignore it, focusing on the task at hand. I'd practiced. I was ready. At least, I hoped I was.

Logan's voice cut through the air, sharp and authoritative as he explained the simulation. I stood at attention, trying to absorb every word. It wasn't long before the scenario began-a war zone, chaotic and loud, with enemies closing in from all sides. My heart pounded in my chest as I activated my powers, the wind swirling around me like a protective shield.

At first, everything went smoothly. I took down the first wave of enemies with ease, my movements quick and precise. I could feel Logan's eyes on me, and for a fleeting moment, I felt a surge of pride.

But then, it happened.

I was distracted for just a split second, and one of the simulated attackers got too close. I tried to summon the wind, to push him back, but my control slipped. I hesitated, and before I knew it, the attacker had me pinned. The simulation ended there, with me on the ground, struggling to catch my breath.

Silence filled the Danger Room, thick and suffocating. I could feel the judgment in the air, the weight of everyone's eyes on me. As I got to my feet, my cheeks burning with embarrassment, the whispers started again. This time, they weren't just whispers-they were insults, muttered just loud enough for me to hear.

"That was pathetic," Rogue's voice cut through the quiet, dripping with disdain. "Can't even handle an easy target."

I flinched, the words cutting deeper than they should have. I knew Rogue could be harsh, but this... this was different. She wasn't just mocking me; she was tearing me down in front of everyone. And the worst part? No one said anything to stop her.

"She's not cut out for this," someone else muttered, and I felt my chest tighten.

I kept my head down as I left the Danger Room, my heart pounding in my ears. The wind that usually surrounded me, light and playful, was eerily still. I could feel it, that familiar sense of inadequacy creeping back in, threatening to overwhelm me. It wasn't fair, Xavier made it clear that I couldn't act with my powers like I used to before joining the school.

I wasn't sure where I was going, but I needed to get away, to find some space where I could breathe. But of course, just as I rounded a corner, I ran into Logan.

He looked down at me, his expression unreadable. "Rhode."

I froze, unsure of what to say. I could still feel the heat of Rogue's words, the sting of my failure in the Danger Room. The last thing I wanted was for Logan to see how badly it had affected me.

"You held your own back there," Logan said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "But I saw what happened at the end. What went wrong?"

I swallowed, desperately trying to keep my emotions in check. "I just... I lost focus, that's all."

Logan's eyes narrowed slightly. "That's not what I meant. You had control, and then you didn't. It's like you hesitated. Why?"

I shook my head, trying to brush it off. "It's nothing, really. Just a mistake."

But Logan wasn't letting it go. "You're not telling me something. You've got power, but you're not using it right. Why?"

His persistence was making it harder to keep my walls up. I could feel my resolve weakening, my defenses starting to crumble. But I couldn't tell him. Not here. Not now.