Cate breathed evenly against the side of his neck.
Warm breaths brushed his skin, one after another.
Lucian opened his eyes.
Seven oh three. The alarm had not gone off yet, but he was already awake.
He turned his head. Cate lay curled up on his left, one hand resting on his chest, her nightdress strap slipping down onto her arm.
He pulled his arm free.
Cate rolled over and mumbled something indistinct.
Lucian gently shook her awake.
"I have to discuss the arrangements going forward with Brink today."
"What time will you be done?"
"Hard to say. I'll come find you when I'm finished. Remember to get up and eat."
"Then I'll wait for you."
He closed the door and headed toward the private training room.
Four reinforced walls, with only one entrance.
The ventilation duct overhead was too narrow to fit an adult.
Lucian stood in the center of the training room and looked around.
It would do.
A perfectly enclosed space. After Lucian spoke with the professor on the phone.
He sat on the bench, checked his current ability panel, and began to wait patiently.
[Super speed LV5 (developable)] [Super senses LV2] [Thermonuclear manipulation LV4] [Light energy manipulation LV4] [Super physique LV4] [Partial metallization LV2] [Physical Mimicry LV4] [LV5 carbon skin] [Mind control LV5] [Heat Vision LV4] [Super strength LV3] [Super defense LV3] [Electricity coverage LV2] [Shockwave LV2] [Super healing LV5]
Outside Brink's office.
Andre stood with both hands in his pockets, unconsciously tapping the corner of the wall with the toe of his shoe.
He hated "meeting the elders."
He especially hated those appraising looks.
"What exactly is my dad talking to the professor about?" he asked an administrative assistant passing by.
The assistant shrugged. "No idea. Professor Brink said it was personal."