Gabriel dreamt of fire again. This time, the Phoenix was closer and he could feel its attention focused on him like the heat of a furnace. When it opened its eyes, he felt his soul burning.The creature spoke, but not with words. Its voice was the sound of cities collapsing and oceans boiling. It said things Gabriel couldn't understand, but could feel in his bones.Rage.That was the only word Gabriel could make out through the chaos and the Phoenix folded its wings and settled deeper into sleep, but he knew it was less asleep than before and more aware and waiting for something.He woke up with his heart racing and his sheets soaked with sweat with the Phoenix Heart was burning so hot in his chest that he had to press his hand against it to make sure his skin wasn't actually on fire.The clock said it was five in the morning and Gabriel knew he wouldn't be able to fall back asleep so he got up and went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face.He looked terrible. His skin

The drive back to the mansion felt like it took hours even though it was only thirty minutes.Gabriel stared out the window and watched the city pass by, trying not to think about Kroger's face as he burned.Xavier didn't turn on music, make jokes or try to fill the silence and Gabriel was grateful because he didn't think he could handle conversation right now.When they pulled through the gates, Alfred was already waiting on the front steps and his expression went from concern to alarm when he saw their faces."What happened?" Alfred asked as they got out of the car.Xavier walked up and handed him the box of files. His hands were still shaking slightly."We got the documents," Xavier said. "Everything you need to transfer ownership.""Xavier what happened?" Alfred asked again and looked between them. "Where's Kroger? Were you attacked?""Kroger is dead," Xavier said flatly. "And the building was destroyed. There were bodies. It was bad, Dad. Really bad."Alfred's eyes widened and he

Gabriel spent the rest of the day thinking about what Alfred, Ariel and Xavier had said. Their words gave him strength and made him feel less alone in this fight.They believed in him. They believed he could overcome the Phoenix and Gabriel decided that he wasn't going to let fear control him anymore.He was done running from what was inside him and done being afraid of his own power.If the Phoenix wanted to fight for control then he would fight back and he would win. He had too much to lose and too many people counting on him.That determination lasted until he went to bed that night and closed his eyes. The moment he did, the dream came back worse than ever.Gabriel was flying through the Phoenix's eyes again. He watched as the world burned and this time, the destruction was so vivid and so real that Gabriel could feel the heat of the flames and smell the smoke.He saw cities crumble and heard millions of people screaming and the Phoenix reveled in their suffering. It laughed as it

After the meeting ended, Xavier suggested they go to the training room. Sitting around, thinking about their next mission would just make everyone anxious.Gabriel instantly agreed because his mind was too full and he needed to do something physical.Ariel came with them even though her arm was still in a cast and she said she could at least watch and maybe give pointers since she had taken self defense classes in law school.The training room felt familiar and safe. Gabriel had changed into workout clothes and he tried to push thoughts of Austin and Vera out of his head."You want to go first?" Xavier asked Gabriel. "Or should I spar with Ariel and show her some moves?""You two go," He answered. "I'll watch."Xavier and Ariel stepped onto the mat and Xavier walked her through some basic defensive positions and how to use an opponent's momentum against them.Gabriel watched, but his mind kept drifting back to the meeting and to Vincent Wyatt's photo. To the knowledge that Austin migh

Gabriel stared at Austin and his blood roared in his ears as every muscle in his body tensed. This was the man who had helped destroy two years of his life.This was the man who had manipulated him and used him. He tried to kill him and stood there now with that same smug grin on his face like he owned the world.Gabriel felt the Phoenix Heart burning hot in his chest and it felt like the flames were going to burst from his hands and consume Austin where he stood.He managed to force the power down. Losing control now would be a disaster. But the anger was still there. It was real and it was demanding satisfaction.Austin looked Gabriel up and down and his grin widened."You look good for a dead man," Austin said. "Better clothes too. Finally crawled out of the gutter I see."Gabriel's hands clenched into fists and he took a step forward, but Xavier put his hand on his shoulder."Easy." Xavier whispered."Oh how sweet," Austin smirked. "You brought a friend. Does he know what a pathet