Wanda hesitated, then nodded, climbing the stairs. She lingered in the second-floor hall, choosing a guest room closest to James's.
The room was luxurious: a king-size bed with silk sheets, ocean-view windows, a bathtub big enough for three. She stared at her reflection—gaunt face, sunken eyes, tangled red hair.
Filling the tub, she sank into the warm water. Tears broke free, washing away three years of fear, pain, and despair.
An hour later, toweling her wet hair, she tensed at a soft knock. Scarlet energy flickered at her fingers.
"Mind a chat?" James's voice came through the door.
Wanda adjusted her robe. "Come in."
He entered with a tray: warm milk and honey-drizzled waffles, their sweet aroma filling the room. He set it on the nightstand. "You need calories."
Her stomach growled. Embarrassed, she ducked her head.
James smiled, sitting in an armchair by the window. Moonlight traced his sharp features.
"I can help you," he said, raising his right hand. A yellow gem materialized, glowing softly, hovering above his palm. Its liquid light rippled the air.
"The Mind Stone," he said, shadows dancing on his chiseled face. "One of the six Infinity Stones."
Wanda leaned forward, her chaos magic flickering in sync. She felt its pull, like a call to her power.
"I feel it…" she murmured, reaching out, then pulling back. "It's… speaking to me."
"Your power's unique," James said. "Not just mutant genes—chaos magic incarnate." He flipped his wrist, the stone's light shifting. "This can help you control it, even amplify it."
Her breath quickened. Three years of captivity made her wary. "Why help me?"
He dismissed the stone, the room dimming. Standing by the window, he said, "I've seen the controlled and the controllers. Both are tragic."
"What do you mean?" Wanda clutched the bedsheets.
"Your chaos magic," he said, gazing at the ocean, "can reshape reality once mastered."
Her pupils shrank. "Really?"
He turned, eyes blazing. "I'll teach you to control it. But remember: power's a tool, not the answer."
Silence fell, broken only by waves lapping the shore. Wanda stared at him, hope flickering for the first time in years.
"What do I do?" she whispered.
He pulled a gold necklace from his pocket, imbued with a calming seal. "Wear this. It'll connect to you, stabilizing your energy."
She took it, warmth flooding her as the metal touched her skin. Scarlet and gold energy swirled around her hands, her chaos magic obeying her for the first time.
"This… it's incredible…" she said, watching the energy form intricate patterns.
James smiled faintly. "It's just the start. Tomorrow, we train energy control. Rest now."
As he reached the door, she called, "Wait… thank you. Not just for this… for everything."
"I know," he said, closing the door softly.
Wanda sank into the bed, the Mind Stone necklace warm against her collarbone. For the first time in three years, nightmares didn't come.
Next Morning
Sunlight poured through the windows. Wanda jolted awake, scarlet energy flaring in her palms.
"Good morning, Miss Maximoff," a gentle AI voice said. "Indoor temperature 22°C, humidity 45%, air quality excellent."
Wanda scanned the room. "Who's there?"
"I'm Turing, the villa's AI butler, named by Mr. Holden," it replied with a hint of humor. "Based on your vitals, I suggest breakfast before training."
Wanda relaxed slightly. "You're an AI?"
"Indeed. Shall I open the curtains?"
She nodded, and the shades slid back, revealing a dazzling ocean view. She touched the glass, awestruck.
"Mr. Holden's in Washington for a Senate hearing," Turing said. "He left a training plan and breakfast."
A hologram appeared, showing a detailed schedule. Wanda tapped it, switching to a news broadcast.
Tony Stark sat at a Senate witness stand, impeccably suited but visibly annoyed. "Mr. Stark, you must admit this armor poses a national security threat," a senator droned.
Wanda's breath caught, fingers digging into her palms. Memories flooded back: the explosion that killed her parents, her and Pietro trembling in rubble for two days, a Stark Industries shell inches away.
"Miss Maximoff, your heart rate's spiking," Turing said, concerned. "Medical assistance needed?"
She forced her fists to unclench. "I'm fine. Why's James there?"
"99.7% probability he's supporting Mr. Stark," Turing replied. The hologram shifted to an overhead shot of thousands outside the Capitol, holding "Support Superman" signs.
The broadcast erupted in chaos. Senators stood, pointing at the doors.
Wanda squinted. A black figure strode in.
"He's here," Turing said calmly.
The chamber exploded in noise. Guards fumbled with weapons, too scared to fire.
Senator Stern, face ashen, pounded his gavel. "This is a Senate hearing! No unauthorized persons!"
James sat beside Tony, suit pristine. "Sorry I'm late. Handled some trouble on the way."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Like?"
"Gang fight in L.A., couple of terrorists," James shrugged. "Sent them to the Arctic to dig ice for researchers."
"Ice?" Tony's face twitched.
Stern stood, furious. "Superman! You have no right—"
"Senator," James's eyes flashed gold, "per the First Amendment, I can attend any public hearing. Or are you defending criminals?"
Silence. Stern's lips quivered, and he sank back.
Wanda watched, her chest loosening. She touched the Mind Stone necklace, feeling its steady pulse.
"Turing," she said suddenly, "I want to train."
"Wise choice," the AI replied. "Gym's ready. Also, Mr. Holden left a message: when you're ready, he'll tell you the truth about Stark Industries' missiles."
Wanda's head snapped up. "What truth?"
"My permissions can't answer that," Turing said gently. "But your potential exceeds most mutants, per Mr. Holden's assessment. Start with basic energy control."
Wanda glanced at the hologram, where James faced the senators calmly, then at her hands, scarlet energy dancing. For the first time, she felt in control of her fate.
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