Page 22 of Exordium

Kristine wrinkled her nose like she smelled something bad.

“A Hawthorne? I’ve heard of you. Your mom didn’t do her duty and bring more Passives into her Faction.” She looked at me like I was gum on her shoe, then said in a haughty voice, “She should have been grateful they requested it of her after there were rumors your dad Rue was involved with the Dark Factions.”

I pulled back my fist and punched her right in the nose.

That’s how I ended up in the dean’s office on my first full day of classes at Emberhold Academy.

Chapter 8

Zane

Igot comfortable at my desk in the corner of the large classroom. The room was set up with a row of seats starting at floor level and rising from there so that everyone had a good view of the podium. Professor York’s ability to create and project illusions made him perfect for this profession. When giving his lecture, he was able to produce images that better helped his students understand and process what he was saying. The professor walked in, surprised to see me already at my desk.

“Good morning, you’re here early. As a student, you barely made it in before the bell rang.”

“I wanted to be a better aide than I was a student,” I smiled, knowing Reverie was the reason I was early, I didn’t give two shits about being an aide. I was finding it hard to let her out of my sight and who could blame me. The girl was beyond gorgeous and sassy as fuck. I was becoming slightly obsessed.

“You were an excellent student, just not very punctual.” Professor York put his briefcase on his desk, cleaned off his glasses and put them on. “I’m glad you’re in early. This class is the largest yet, and we must try to stay on top of everything.”

“I’m your guy, Professor York,” I smiled, wondering why he wore glasses when Aurathions didn’t need them. Maybe he thought they made him look more competent, who knew.

Students started filing into class. I was anxious to see Reverie, all that raven hair, and those beautiful amber eyes. I loved it when she smiled, and those two dimples appeared on her cheeks. My Nexus was perfect. Zeke and I had to be the two dumbest bastards on earth to try the ritual with Kristine. When it was real, there was no doubt. SHE was my Nexus. I could feel it in my soul.

Kristine had talked us into the ritual. To be fair, it didn’t take much convincing. We had been desperate to find a Faction. I had seen what happens to Aurathions that remained Passives. Some made a good life, but most became bitter, more than a few committing suicide. I didn’t want that for me or my brother. Now knowing what it felt like to have a true connection, I knew I was a damn fool.

I came alive the moment I met her. My blood sang in recognition.

Performing the ritual with her was just a formality. I didn’t doubt that Reverie was my Nexus. The minute she entered the living room, I felt tingles all over my body, and I couldn’t takemy eyes off her. When I glanced at my brother, he was the same. I felt such joy in that moment knowing we would get our wish to be in the same Faction.

With Kristine, we were desperate to get our abilities and be in a Faction together. She was convinced that she was Nexus. We’d slept together occasionally, she was fun and adequate in bed. We thought deeper feelings would grow in time. Meeting Reverie, I knew how juvenile that was.

I would give up my ability just to be with her. Becoming Faction was a bonus, but not my focus. Reverie’s safety and happiness was all that concerned me.

The door shut, interrupting my musings. I looked up into the seats to try and spot the face fast becoming the most important in my world. I saw Chloe sitting alone—no sign of Reverie.

Just then, Professor York addressed the class.

“Hello Aurathions. Welcome to Biology. My class will begin by teaching the basic anatomy and reproductive systems of Aurathion’s and how it differs from humans.” He glanced down at his roster. “We seem to be missing three of our students. Does anyone know where Reverie Hawthorne, Jet Lockley, and Nathan Strauss are?” Chloe raised her hand, Professor York nodded his head “Yes, Ms. Moon?”

“Reverie had to visit Dean Mathews’s office, and Nathan insisted on going with her.” Chloe glanced in my direction, “Jet also accompanied them.”

What the fuck? Why in the hell did she have to visit the dean? I stood up and headed toward the door.

“Where are you going, Mr. Moon,” the professor asked.

I kept walking, ignoring his question. Nothing was more important than getting to my Nexus. What if she needed me? I picked up the pace, wanting to get to her as soon as possible.

When I got to the office, Zeke was already there, sitting next to a massive guy. It wasn’t often that me and my brother feltsmall, but Zeke looked average size sitting next to this guy. Nathan sat across from them with a murderous gaze trained on Kristine, who was sitting a few empty seats down from Zeke, holding an icepack to her nose. Kristine was surrounded by the Bitch Brigade, tittering over her injury and shooting dirty looks Nathan’s way.

“What the hell is going on?” I demanded, looking around the room and seeing no sign of Reverie.

“The little bitch you’re all so fascinated with hit me. I told you both that you shouldn’t be associating with her. She’s trash, just like her disloyal mother.” Kristine said in a nasally voice.

“She hit Kristine for absolutely no reason. Kristine was just offering to tutor Nathan and help him catch up.” Kristine’s friend chimed in, I think her name was Sophie. I'd always avoided hanging out with Kristine when her friends were around. They were all annoying as fuck.

She flinched when Nathan jumped up. Anticipating the move, Zeke rose quickly and grabbed his arm, “They’re not worth it, man. Just ignore the toxic bitches.”

Kristine looked hurt, “I can’t believe you said that. I’ve been friends with you guys for years.”

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