Page 39 of Exordium

Reverie

Walking up to the guys, I channeled my inner cocky bitch. I had defeated this obstacle course and left with a legendary companion. The first anyone had seen in years. I deserved to have a little strut in my step.

“What the fuck is that, Reverie Cleopatra?” Nathan asked as if I had done something wrong.

“Did you just middle name me, Dickface?” I questioned in my not-to-be-fucked-with voice. Being extremely familiar with the voice, Nathan changed his tone.

“I would appreciate it if you would step away from the large animal until we know what it is and if it’s dangerous.”

“Your middle name is Cleopatra? And you’re a Minion fan?” Zane asked, looking me up and down with raised eyebrows.

“Forget the middle name. Nathan will be punished later for blurting that out. And everyone loves Minions.” I dared him to prove me wrong.

“I never have, but I’m starting to see the appeal,” Zeke grinned at me.

“I’ll take my punishment like the strong, secure man I am. Now get over here and away from the giant panther, alien thingy. Right, fucking now!” Nathan growled while stomping his foot.

“It’s a Fellat, you dumb motherfucker!” Oren yelled at Nathan. “Fuck you need to study if you’re this clueless about the Aurathion culture.”

Nathan took a big step and punched Oren in the mouth in such a quick, smooth motion that there was no defending against it. It didn’t seem like he tried to hide the extra strength he had gained since becoming Faction, either. “Looks like this dumb motherfucker just knocked you on your ass.”

Zeke leaned down to help Oren up, “You had that coming. If you try to report him to the dean, you’ll regret it.”

Wiping the blood from his nose, Oren growled out, “I’m not reporting shit, but the next motherfucker that punches me is getting fucked up. I don’t give a fuck who you are. Just try me.”

I walked in the direction of my clothes. I was physically and emotionally exhausted and didn’t have the time or inclination to referee these fools. Though I was getting a thrill at seeing ShitStorm knocked on his ass so many times. I rubbed betweenmy breasts; it was stinging unmercifully. I glanced down, lifting my bra slightly, I didn’t see anything.

Pantar stayed near me, never taking his eyes off the guys.

“I don’t disapprove of your first Faction member. The other potentials need to prove themselves before performing the ritual.”

I looked at him and gave a small nod. I didn’t want anyone to know of my newfound ability. I would later let Pantar know that Oren was certainly not a potential candidate for my Faction. I was still in shock that I could communicate with the Fellat. Getting a new ability without adding another Faction member was unheard of. I really needed to talk to my parents. Maybe they could help me figure out what was going on. Honestly, I needed to see them and make sure they were alright after that horrible illusion I had just experienced.

Stopping to get dressed, the twins and Nathan headed my way. Pantar let Nathan pass but stepped between me and the twins. Zane frowned at him and made a shooing motion with his hands.

“What the hell are you doing?” Zeke asked incredulously.

“Trying to get him to move,” Zane continued shooing the giant animal out of the way.

Pantar stared Zane in the eyes, then slowly sat back on his haunches.

“I think he has zero intentions of moving until she’s changed. Apparently, you must be Faction to have the privilege of standing close to her,” Nathan smiled smugly.

“You better enjoy being the single member now. Cause I think we’ll get to join you sooner than expected, possibly before initiation, in fact. It would have been feasible to wait until after, for Reverie to emerge as Nexus, but now I think the three-hundred-pound cat is out of the bag.” Zeke said to Nathan while staring at Pantar in awe.

“I think he’s right.” I finished dressing and slipped my boots on. “I’m going straight to Dean Mathew’s office. There’s no way I want ShitStorm to tell him first.” I absently rubbed at the spot between my breasts again, it had stopped stinging but was still a little painful.

“ShitStorm?” Zeke asked, smirking in Oren’s direction. The man in question was standing next to the obstacle course, watching us.

“Makes complete sense to me.” Nathan and Zane said in unison.

Zeke started laughing, and before long, everyone joined in. I was overjoyed to see them getting along. This was what a Faction was supposed to look like.

Looking past the guys, I saw Oren looking between Pantar and me in contemplation. What was that asshole cooking up? I wondered nervously. No matter, I’d deal with it as it came.

Heading toward the Dean’s office, Pantar didn’t attempt to hide his presence. He stood directly behind me, allowing only Nathan to walk by my side. The twins followed as close as he would allow.

People in the hallway were looking on in shock. I’d never seen a Fellat; most Aurathions had only seen them in books. So, the reaction was to be expected. The attention was a little unnerving, but I held my shoulders back and stood tall. I’d just decided to own my shit, and that’s exactly what I did.

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