Page 10 of Exordium

Dane led me to a table in the front for maximum visibility. I was well-liked at school. My parents encouraged me to participate in everything and enjoy being young. They wanted me to have a wonderful experience before being put in a position of responsibility and possible heartbreak. They knew better than most the devastation that could happen. Of course, as soon as we were seated, Nathan led his date to our table.

“Hello, Dane, I see you talked Reverie into coming with you. She must have had a mental breakdown.” Nathan sneered. His date giggled like an idiot. Apparently, Nathan’s plan was successful. I was jealous, but I couldn’t show it for the asshole’s own good.

“You’re just pissed because she knew I was the superior choice,” Dane puffed out his chest and smirked. This guy must have a death wish, Nathan was going to kill him.

“If she’s into small-dicked, idiots, then yes. She chose correctly,” Nathan growled. Not caring that he was insulting his date just by having this conversation.

“I should kick your ass,” Dane responded, eyeing me for approval.

“I wish you’d try you piece of shit! I’d wipe the floor with your pansy ass.” Nathan spit out.

“Let’s go!” Dane growled, trying to look tough. I noticed he wasn’t moving to get up.

“That’s enough out of both of you! I’ve made my choice, Nathan. Get over it.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“The fuck you have. There never was a choice. I’ve just been waiting for you to realize that.” Nathan had a crazed look on his face. Just when I started to reply, the principal stepped up to the microphone.

“It’s time to announce Prom King and Queen. When your name is announced, please come up on the stage.” Mr. Freeman spoke into the microphone. Pausing for maximum effect, he announced, “Your Prom King is Nathan Strauss!” Nathan gave me one more crazy look and then bounded up on stage.

Everyone lost their minds, screaming his name like he was some lead singer in a boy band. After the giggling cheerleader put the crown on his head, Mr. Freeman began speaking again.

“Now to announce our Queen.” After another ridiculously long pause, he smiled, “Reverie Hawthorne, will you please come up?” Dane half-ass clapped since he was pissed at Nathan for getting King. I walked on the stage, and when the football player started to crown me, Psycho gave him a look, he hesitantly handed the crown to Nathan, and he placed it on my head. He then leaned down and whispered,

“See, the whole school thinks we belong together.”

“I don’t think your date agrees,” I whispered back.

“I don’t give a shit.” He bit out.

The principal broke into our conversation, asking, “Would the royal couple grace us by leading the first dance?”

“Yes, we would,” Nathan pulled me onto the floor. “Right Here” by Staind started playing. How appropriate, I thought. Nathan had to have something to do with it. As we started dancing, Nathan said into my ear, “If you think bringing him to Prom means shit to me, you’re wrong.”

“It had nothing to do with you!” I lied. I hoped, convincingly.

“Bullshit! I’ll bathe in that motherfucker’s blood with a fucking smile on my face if he thinks he’s taking you anywhere after Prom. Just try me, Reverie.” He warned.

“You’re crazy,” I hissed. I knew I was taking a chance bringing a date. Nathan hadn’t responded well in the past when I had threatened him with Dane, and apparently, that hadn’t changed. I was running out of ideas, and I didn’t know how much longer I could resist him. Why couldn’t he just cooperate?

“Yes, I am. And you would do well to remember that.” Nathan hissed back. After the dance was over, he dragged me out a side door. Before the door could shut, Dane pushed through. He didn’t have time to say a word before Nathan turned, getting in his face, “Get your ass back inside, or I’ll beat you until you’re bleeding out of every opening on your mother fucking body. Then I’ll cut you into pieces and feed you to Mr. Ferguson’s hogs.”

The crazed look in his eyes must have led Dane to believe him because he turned and went back inside without a word. Nathan jerked me around and smashed his mouth into mine in a violent clashing of lips and teeth. With my training, I could have put him to the ground, but I was so tired of fighting my feelings where Nathan was concerned. As we kissed, Nathan bit my lip, in the clash of teeth, his tongue must have been cut. When our blood mixed, I felt the ball of power in my chest expanding and the next thing I knew, we were lying across Grumpy’s lap on the couch.

“What the actual FUCK?!” He yelled and stood up, Nathan and I spilled onto the coffee table. The table broke, and popcorn and drinks spilled everywhere. Mom ran in from the kitchen with Pop following right behind, after Grumpy screamed in a peculiarly high voice, “Adelaide!” Pop never let him forget it. It’s been brought up frequently in the months since “the incident,” as we’re now calling it.

Nathan looked up at me as I lay on top of him. He had liquid dripping down his face and a piece of popcorn sticking to his cheek.

“I think you have some explaining to do.”

I couldn’t help myself and started laughing hysterically.

Passives find their designation after performing the ritual for the first time. When a Nexus/Faction bond is made, the Faction will immediately develop an ability. Usually, this ability is found in the Nexus family line. Occasionally, if a Faction member had a strong Nexus in their background, they might develop an ability from their line. In most cases, the Nexus doesn’t develop any abilities until their Faction is complete. Forming the bond without the ritual was unheard of. But this was getting crazy. I had no idea what the hell was going on! Chloe and her brothers must be losing their minds, wondering what happened!

Chloe-

We were in chaos.

“What in the actual fuck?! What just happened?” Zane yelled. We had all jumped to our feet in shock. The coffee table was on its side. Drinks were spilled. I was hyperventilating.

---