Page 15 of Exordium

“I don’t think it works that way. My parents said the first initiation is solely to prove your worth as an individual.” I told her, hoping I was wrong.

“That’s the norm but has anyone ever formed a Faction before initiation? If so, I haven’t heard of it.” Zeke ran his fingers through his hair, still appearing agitated.

“If there’s the slightest chance you think it might be possible to go together, please let me know. It’s killing me to think about her going it alone.” Nathan squeezed me tightly.

“Your parents are right. The Academy has never let two people go through it together. Although, as Zeke said, I’ve never heard of anyone being Faction before initiation. Who knows what Emberhold will do.” Zane said, eyeing Nathan’s arms that were still wrapped tightly around me. Zeke seemed hesitant but began speaking, looking Nathan in the eye.

“I just want you to know that we’re here for you both. We only met Reverie tonight, but the devastation I felt seeing her disappear is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and, frankly, shouldn’t have, since we just met. I’m sorry to lay this on you, but you’re being honest, and I wanted to return the favor.” He paused taking a deep breath, “We’ll be part of your Faction, and the ritual will be just a formality.” Zeke moved his gaze to me, his sincerity and adoration obvious.

“I feel the same exact way. I’ve never felt anything like it before.” Zane agreed, eyeing Nathan like he was a ticking time bomb.

“I understand how you’re feeling because I felt the same way as soon as I saw her.” Nathan nodded his head knowingly, looking surprisingly at ease. I looked at Nathan in amazement. When we were in school, if he noticed anyone looking my way in class, or anywhere for that matter, he would threaten them with death. The fact that Dane survived prom was a smooth miracle; lucky for him, Nathan manifested his power, and its fallout probably saved his life. Nathan noticed the amazement on my face, “I was pissed when he jerked you into his arms without my permission. Him not acknowledging how special I am was harsh too, but they seem like all-right guys and the fact they noticed how amazing you are earns them points. Plus, for some reason, I don’t mind them looking.” Nathan appeared a little puzzled at this.

Zeke and Zane both looked at each other with giant smiles on their faces. Then turned in unison to stare at me with so much heat in their eyes I started sweating. Chloe jumped up and down, screaming in excitement. Nathan looked at her with annoyance.

“What the hell is all the that about? Just because I don’t especially want to murder them doesn’t mean that I believe they have souls or anything.” Nathan grunted speaking with his usual flair.

“This is going to be fun,” Zane laughed evilly.

“What’s going to be fun,” Nathan narrowed his eyes in suspicion. I just stared at them all feeling a little shell shocked.

“Hell, yes, it is!” Chloe fist pumped.

I got up from the couch and excused myself to the restroom. I quietly shut the door and then leaned back against it. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. I just needed a moment. Nathan was already such a part of me it should have been hard to imagine the twins in my life in the same way. It wasn’t. Remembering all the things Mom had told me over the years brought me some measure of comfort.

Mom and I sat on the front porch swing, enjoying the evening breeze. My daddies were cleaning up the kitchen because I heard Mommy say that she might be too tired to wrestle with my daddy’s later if she had to do it. I wasn’t sure what she meant because it was almost bedtime.

“Mommy how did you meet my daddies?” I asked her in my tiny five-year-old voice.

“Well, baby, I met your Grumpy and Pop first. I was at Emberhold and stayed after class to speak to one of my professors. I was running late for my next class, so I rushed down the hallway, not looking where I was going. Out of nowhere, this giant wall appeared in my way. I hit it and then fell to the ground. As I looked up, I got super scared because I thought I must have hit my head and had a concussion.” Mom laughed.

“Why Mommy?” I scrunched up my nose.

“Because I thought I was seeing double,” Mommy grinned.

“Double trouble!” I giggled.

“Exactly. Double trouble indeed.” Mommy said with a dreamy look in her eyes.

“Was you in love at first light?” I waited excitedly for her answer.

“It’s love at first sight, precious girl.” Mommy laughed. “It wasn’t exactly love.

More like tingles at first sight.”

“I felt tingles when Nathan held my hand yesterday at school,” I was excited to have something in common with my Mommy.

Mom looked at me strangely, “You did? Maybe you were just cold.”

“No, Mommy, it felt like ants crawling on my arm, but in a good way,” I snuggled closer to her.

We heard a plate crash, and Mommy got up and ran inside. I heard Pop, and Grumpy arguing about whose fault it was and Mommy saying something about knowing bullshit when she heard it. Grumpy hated when Mommy said bad words. I thought she sounded tough and wanted to be just like her.

The memory calmed me, and I was able to breathe. I splashed water on my face and returned to the living room. Walking in, I heard the guys talking about football as they sipped a beer. Wow, it looked like they were already bonding. Poor Nathan was new to this world and had no idea what this meant. Everyone loved him in school, but he never had any close friends, I didn’t think he was ever that interested in having them.

I joined Chloe in the kitchenette as she cleaned up. All the guys' eyes followed me as I walked across the room, never breaking from their conversation.

“Feeling better?” Chloe asked me in concern.

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