Page 57 of Exordium

“Wow, no wonder people are so desperate. That makes me feel bad for the Passives who have been here for years.” Joan shook her head.

“Just imagine being unable to access your abilities and living a mundane life knowing what could have been. There’s nothing wrong with that if it’s all you know, but it’s like being at a massive buffet and starving to death when you’ve grown up in this world.” I took another cookie.

“Good analogy, Miss Hawthorne.” Instructor Storm said, startling us. This guy must secretly be a ninja.

“Instructor, we didn’t see you walking up,” Chloe put her hand on her chest.

“I would suggest keeping a better eye out for your surroundings. If you’re this lax, you may not make it through initiation. Miss Hawthorne, could I have a word with you?” He gestured toward the door. I nodded my head and followed him out of the café. He walked to a small bench partially secluded by a large bush. Sitting, he turned to me, “Where is your Fellat?”

“Pantar went hunting. I think he needed a break from being around so many people. What did you want to talk to me about?” I was curious about what he could possibly want with me.

Storm looked hesitant but took a deep breath, “I wanted to know if you could meet me in my office tomorrow after lunch. I know I’ve been a bit of an ass to you, and I’m sorry for that. I could use your help teaching the students your techniques for dealing with the obstacle courses.”

“I’m flattered, but you’re amazing at it yourself. I saw you run through a course for the new Passives last week. I’m not sure how I can help.” It was awkward speaking to him, or being this close, it made it harder to ignore the way he made me feel. We’d only interacted a handful of times, and those were hostile.

“You’ve had advanced training, and it shows. I thought coming from a fellow student it might make more sense. We could review some of your tapes this week and devise a plan. Then, you could demonstrate it to the students.” Seeing my hesitation, he said, “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it would help some of them survive initiation.” There was no way I could refuse, even if I only saved one Passive. Sometimes I truly hated being a nice person.

“Okay, I’ll help.”

Storm stood abruptly and began to walk away.

“I’ll get back to you with an exact time. Thank you.”

I couldn’t see the sinister smile on his face. If I had, I would never have agreed to meet him alone.

Chapter 22

Reverie

Iwent back inside the café and sat down.

“What did ShitStorm want?” Chloe asked wide-eyed.

“Can you believe he asked for my help with the new Passives? He even complimented me on my technique in getting through the courses.” I grabbed another Snickerdoodle.

“You did kick ass on those courses, so I think it makes sense.” Joan groaned, patting her belly. “There is no way I can eatanymore. I’m going to head back to my dorm. I’ve got a paper due in Professor Austin’s class. Aurathion history is no joke.”

“I finished that paper yesterday if you need any help.” I offered.

“Thanks, but I’ve got this, plus the tutor I was assigned is hot. If I need any help, I’ll ask him. I might ask even if I don’t.” She winked at us and then left the cafe.

We both laughed as she left. I truly liked the two sisters. I was glad my friend group was expanding, “Well, what do you think about me helping Storm?”

“I guess if it makes it possible for Passives to survive initiation, then it’s worth dealing with the asshole. I’d be cautious. He started acting civil a few days after discovering your Nexus. Maybe he’s hoping for a spot in the Hawthorne Faction.” She grinned mischievously.

“Bite your tongue. No way would I want him or his fucked-up family a part of my Faction. I could never trust him, and the most crucial part of a successful Faction is having complete faith in each other.” I wrinkled my nose at the lunatic, ignoring the way I felt sitting so close to him only a few minutes ago.

“That and a great sex life.” Chloe waggled her eyebrows, “He walks like he’s packing so you might want to rethink that.” I laughed despite myself and then downed the rest of my hot chocolate.

“I don’t care what he’s packing, bitch, I’m not interested.” I flicked her forehead. “I’m going to head out to meet your brothers.” She flicked me back and we both giggled.

“Okay, I’ll see you back at the dorm.” Following me out of the café, Chloe blew me a kiss and headed toward our dorm.

That girl was something else. I was so happy Chloe had been assigned as my roommate. It felt like we’d known each other forever.

I waited outside the gym for Zeke and Zane with my stomach doing flips. I was about ninety nine percent sure they were going to be alright with everything, but that one percent chance was freaking me out. I looked forward to sharing everything, telling Chloe how vital honesty was in a Faction reinforced my decision to get this done. I hated that Nathan wouldn’t be there, but it was the right thing to do. I wanted a Faction that was as strong as my parents, and this was the first step.

“Boo!!!” I jumped.

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