Page 18 of Exordium

“I’ll explain on our way if you don’t go into a diabetic coma before we can leave.” Chloe gave me the finger.

“How do you think I stay so sweet? Are those donuts for me?”

“Yep, enjoy,” I laughed as I walked out of the room. After showering, I looked in my closet trying to decide what to wear. We didn’t get uniforms until after initiation. I guessed there was no point in the expense until the Council knew if you were going to live or not. What a bunch of dickweeds.

I decided on ripped bootcut jeans, and a pink button-down shirt partially tucked in, with my western belt. The belt had a large buckle made of rose gold with my initials in the center. The buckle had been a gift from my mom for Christmas last year. I left the first three buttons undone and wore a rose gold chain Nathan bought me that had a pink glittery “N” charm that stood for Nexi, of course. Leaving my long black hair down to dry in waves, I swiped on some mascara and a little lip gloss. I sat on the bed, reaching for the drawer in my bedside table. I pulled out my holster, wrapped it around my ankle, and slipped my knife inside. I pulled on my shit-kickers, grabbed my backpack, and headed into the living room.

“Well, don’t you look like a little Texas heartbreaker?” Chloe grinned. She was wearing jeans and a mint green sweater with knee-high black boots. “I take it pink is your color?”

“A girl can never have too much pink.” I smiled thinking of my mom. “You’re looking good yourself, like a beautiful Irish rose.”

“Since you started your Faction, I figured it couldn’t hurt to throw out some bait and see if I get any bites.” Chloe sassed, striking a pose.

“Looking like that, I’m sure several Passives will be inspired to take a nibble.” I smiled at her antics.

Students were to report to the assembly hall this morning before class. As we headed that way, we compared schedules and saw we had three classes together. Aurathion history, Biology,and Battle Strategies. Other than lunch, the rest of our day would be spent conditioning and preparing for initiation.

The second, third, and fourth years, depending on whether you’d found your Faction, had classes about their abilities and how to use them. They then spent the entire second half of the day learning to fight together. Students that hadn’t found their Faction helped with classes for the younger students. In the hope that they’d find their Faction before the four years were up and they had to return to the outside world as a Passive.

The assembly hall was a vast room. The setup was like a basketball stadium. Students entered from the top, and the faculty members came through a door at floor level. The giant domed ceiling was made entirely of stained glass with different nature scenes and animals from our home world. The beautiful reds, lavenders, and oranges contrasted sharply with the gothic feel of the massive room. The floor was made of black polished stone with prominent white veins running through it. It almost had the effect of cracked glass. There were several oversized chairs, with the middle chair looking like a giant throne, all made of the Aurathion stone that ran throughout the building. A large podium was at the front of the stage.

I saw Nathan and the twins standing at the entrance. A beautiful brunette stood close to them, trying to get Nathan’s attention. While she talked, she kept touching Nathan’s arm and standing as close to him as she could.

“Looks like the Wicked Bitch of the West found another guy to try to sink her claws into. You better get over there before she fools him with her lies and little innocent act.” Chloe sneered.

“That’s not going to happen. Just keep watching. My Psycho is not anything she’s ever dealt with.” I smiled evilly.

No sooner than the words left my mouth, Nathan glanced down as she grabbed his arm. He took hold of her hand gently, and she smiled at him. Suddenly he twisted her arm behind herback and had her standing on the tips of her toes, trying to keep the pressure off her shoulder. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear, and her face lost all color.

The twins looked stunned and just stood there in shock. Nathan released her, and she stumbled forward. Walking some distance away, she turned and gave him the finger. Nathan just laughed.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Chloe smiled. I gave her a smug look that had Chloe laughing.

“I told you so.”

About that time, Nathan saw us standing there and walked over. Grabbing my cheeks and giving me a big wet kiss, he smiled, leaned down, and whispered in my ear,

“You ready to find a seat and get this over with, my Nexi?” I should have been annoyed at him kissing me so openly but screw it. After that display of loyalty, I didn’t care.

“Absolutely, my sweet Psycho.” I smiled dreamily. He had done some terrible things in the years we’d known each other, but his love and loyalty for me was never a question in my mind. The minute we bonded, he became the person he was before I ended our friendship. The way he looked at me never failed to give me goosebumps. That was part of the reason my parents had reluctantly accepted him. The love and devotion he felt for me was written all over his face. Nathan linked our fingers together, and we headed into the room, followed closely by the three siblings.

“I never thought I would meet someone crazier than the Moon twins, but here we are,” Chloe said, raising her eyebrows at her brothers.

“No shit!” Zane laughed. While Zeke nodded his head in agreement.

Chapter 7

Reverie

We walked into the assembly hall and found seats close to the top. As usual, Nathan pulled me onto his lap instead of letting me have my own seat. Zane sat beside Nathan, leaned down, and pulled my feet, boots and all onto his lap. Then Nathan and Zane proceeded to stare at each other.

I glanced at Nathan and then looked back at Zane. I had no idea how this was going to turn out. Zeke took the seat on Nathan’s other side, grabbed my hand, and weaved our fingerstogether. Nathan turned and looked at Zeke. I was starting to feel like I was participating in a game of Twister.

The way they kept staring at each other was making me nervous. I tried getting up and pulling free of them because I didn’t want to put on a show for everyone. But not one of them would let go.

After the long stare down, Nathan calmly turned his head and faced forward like nothing had ever happened. Zeke and Zane smiled at each other and relaxed their shoulders.

I took a deep breath and whispered to the guys, “I thought we would just stay friends until after initiation?”

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