Page 51 of Exordium

“Now that’s done. You know what happens if you try to leave the perimeter. You have fifteen seconds to return, or the device in your neck will explode. I have no idea what you were thinking running away like that. You’ve always been Selene’s favorite and been given so much privilege. You disgraced her and your Faction. You’ll be lucky to keep your head.” Seamus sneered.

Looking over at me, he squinted his eyes and asked, “Am I going to have a problem with you?”

“I’m keeping my options open.” I winked at the little man.

“A comedian. Fantastic. There isn’t enough time in the day for me to deal with this shit. Lean your head down.” He motioned to me.

I looked at Hayes and he gave a slight nod of his head. I leaned down and extended my neck. I flinched because that shit hurt, but I didn’t utter a sound. The big guy looked at me with the tiniest bit of respect.

Seamus motioned Eugene to open the cage. Hayes and I stepped out, and Seamus turned and led us into the tunnel. We walked a little way and then came to a large room. Seamusstopped and turned to us, “Selene will be sending for you as soon as I inform her of your return. You’ll be put on the roster immediately if you survive her punishment. Turning, he looked at me, “We will have Joseph rate your skill and put you on the roster as soon as he thinks you’ll be a challenge.” Turning abruptly, he left back the way we had come.

At least three dozen men and women of all shapes and sizes were eating and gathered in groups; two guys were levitating and trying to knock each other out of the air with a crowd cheering them on and a guy standing near them taking bets. To my amazement, I saw a woman throwing fireballs in the air and a guy beside her freezing them and throwing them at a target.

A skinny guy with long white hair and midnight skin came running up, “Hayes, my man, I’m glad to see you. I hoped I wouldn’t, but this place hasn’t been the same without you.” I was shocked when the guy pulled Hayes into a bro hug. I was even more amazed when Hayes hugged him back.

“Good to see you too, Damien. How have things been since I’ve been gone?” Hayes looked at Damien in concern.

I noticed the room had become completely silent, and everyone was giving Hayes their full attention.

“Selene has been in a temper since she lost her favorite gladiator. We’ve lost two fighters in the last battle and one in the solo events. Two of them weren’t ready and didn’t have the backing of a Faction.” Damien ran his hand through his hair. “I tried, Hayes, I really did, but Selene knew how you felt about keeping unclaimed out of the fights, so she came down hard on them.”

“Who was the solo fighter?” Damien bowed his head, not meeting Hayes’s eyes.

“Mickey.”

Hayes turned, picked up a chair, and threw it across the room. He then levitated a table and two chairs, smashing them against the wall. Turning, he stormed out of the room.

Damien held out his hand to me, “I’m Damien, a member of the Finnick Faction. Welcome to our Hell.”

I was starting to suspect that this wasn’t a normal initiation. I closed my eyes and tried to communicate with Reverie. No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t reach her. I felt such emptiness and despair, for a moment I couldn’t breathe. What was I going to do? How was I going to get back to my Nexi?

I finally managed to take a deep breath, letting it out slowly, I raised my head. No, this wasn’t who I was, I narrowed my eyes in determination. No motherfucker alive had the power to keep me from her. These people had never met someone like me. I smiled slowly, it looked like Hell was about to freeze, right the fuck, over.

Chapter 20

Reverie

Ididn’t know how much longer I could take this. Nathan had been gone for a week, and I was losing my mind. The only reason I was still reasonably sane was thanks to the Moons. The three of them had proved I was correct in trusting them and our friendship.

Getting ready for class, I wore the usual T-shirt, cargo pants, and hot pink combat boots Zeke had bought me. I put my dark hair up in space buns, grabbed my go bag, and left the room.Waking up early wasn’t a problem because I barely slept at all. I knew I needed to rest, I could be initiated anytime, but my worry for Nathan wouldn’t let me.

Walking into the living room, I saw Zeke sitting on the couch, drinking one coffee and a large to-go cup on the table. It felt like déjà vu. It would be perfect, if only my Psycho would only pop in.

Standing, Zeke walked over and pulled me into his arms.

“I guess I look exactly how I feel.” I sighed feeling like I’d aged ten years.

“You’re always beautiful, but I know stressing about Nathan is weighing on you.” He whispered into my hair. I took a deep inhale of his shirt, fresh laundry, and a faint scent of pine. He was everything safe and I didn’t want the hug to end.

“If it weren’t for your family, I would be insane by now. I don’t understand why he’s not back yet. Most Passives that make it through are only gone a matter of days. I know he’s alright because I would feel it through our bond if he wasn’t.” I took another deep breath, hoping the comfort he gave me would last through the day.

Pantar appeared in the room suddenly, making us jump.“Nexi, you shouldn’t worry so. I have complete faith in the crazy one. He fits perfectly in your Faction because nothing would keep him from you for long. You need to bond with more. I sense that a full Faction will be needed for what’s to come.”

Seeing the frown on my face, Zeke asked, “What’s wrong.”

“I’m not sure—just something Pantar said to me.” I really didn’t want to tell him.

“Said to you?” Zeke raised one eyebrow in question.

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