Chapter 44: [44] Golden Cracks
"Mr. Valentine," Phantom’s voice came from directly behind him, causing Xavier to spin around. The masked instructor stood mere inches away, having approached without making a sound. "You’ll be working with Ms. Martin next."
Xavier nodded, trying to hide how the instructor had caught him off guard. As Phantom moved away, Xavier spotted Ashley Martin approaching from across the room.
"Looks like we’re paired up," Xavier said as she reached him.
Ashley looked him up and down. "So it seems. I hope you’re taking this seriously, Valentine."
"Always," Xavier replied, offering a slight smile. "I take everything seriously."
Ashley’s expression didn’t change. "Somehow I doubt that." She gestured to the space between them. "Shall we begin?"
"I can go first if you want."
"It’s okay. I’ll demonstrate first," she said. "My ability is more straightforward than yours."
Xavier nodded, studying her more carefully. Her eyes were the most striking feature—an unusual shade that hovered between pink and purple. They weren’t contacts; the color shifted subtly with the changing light.
"Sure," Xavier said. "What’s your ability called?"
"Guardian Covenant," Ashley replied. She took a step back, creating space between them. "It’s an Enhancement-type with a protection specialization."