Ashley turned from the spring's surface, her reflection fragmenting in the disturbed water. The golden fractures across her skin caught the volcanic light, creating patterns that seemed to shift and breathe. When she spoke, her voice carried a flatness that made Xavier's chest tighten.
"Regret is a luxury for people who have other choices." She traced one of the golden lines that ran from her temple to her jaw, the gesture almost absent. "This isn't a wound anymore, Xavier. It's a weapon. Don't ever mistake it for a weakness again."
The words hit different than he'd expected. Not bitter or angry, just... factual. Like she was explaining the properties of a new tool rather than discussing her own transformation.
Calypso's expression shifted, something between concern and curiosity. "Ashley—"
