Page 79 of Exordium

“Thank you.” I groaned as I bit into the sandwich. It was perfect and I hadn’t realized just how hungry I was.

Storm smiled in satisfaction and in a move that was completely out of character for him, he stuck his tongue out at Zeke.

I busted out laughing but quickly covered my grin when Zeke frowned in my direction. Storm winked at me before his face regained the arrogant expression he usually wore.

Zane and Chloe came through the door at that moment. Chloe walked directly up to Storm and punched him in the face.

She then jumped up and down cradling her hand, “Fuck, shit, damn! Your head just broke my hand you rat bastard.” Chloe groaned, narrowing her eyes at Storm like he had walked up to her and hit her on the hand with his head.

I stood and went into the kitchen putting some ice in a towel, I led Chloe to the couch and put the ice on her hand. Chloe smiled and thanked me then continued her death glare at Storm.

“No ice for me?” Storm pouted at me while wiping the blood from his already swollen nose. Lucky for him Aurathions had advanced healing. His nose and Chloe’s hand would be back to normal in no time.

“You deserved that, and you know it.” I smirked at him.

“Maybe so, but the next Moon that hits me is going to get their ass lit on fire.” He narrowed his eyes at everyone, his patience at an end with all the punches to the face. Maybe it did trend and I just wasn’t aware, I gave a small smile at the thought.

“OK enough of this bullshit. What the fuck is going on?” Jet was clearly pissed at all the delays.

“I ran into Kristine when I went to grab food. She said some things that I found alarming. I’ve known for some time my father has been involved with what happened to our world. I can even understand it, to a point.” He looked at Zeke when he made a sound of derision at his comment but continued. “My father lost my loyalty when I found out the serum worked on embryos. Our culture would have been saved in just one generation butthat wasn’t good enough for the high society Aurathions that didn’t want the stigma of unbonded Passives in their families.” It was my turn to narrow my eyes at him because I think I brought that point up in class.

Jet spoke, “I don’t understand why there is a stigma on Passives just because they haven’t found a Nexus. It’s not like it’s by choice.”

“I might have misspoken. There is a stigma, at least in their eyes. I’ve heard my father speak about it a hundred times. He couldn’t stand the thought of my uncle Trent being weak and shaming the family. But that’s not the only reason they wanted the serum for adult Aurathions. The family would be much stronger if every member had the use of their abilities. Therefore, keeping them in power and on the Council. Unfortunately, my father wasn’t the only one that felt like that.” He paused, seeming to be upset at old memories.

“Why would your uncle Trent agree to take an experimental serum?” Jet interrupted again, asking way more questions than he usually did in class.

“Wouldn’t you if you could extend your life by about a hundred and fifty years?” Storm questioned.

“Depends on the quality of that life, and what you have to do to get it.” Jet said, using about ten more words than he usually did.

“That’s exactly right. Unfortunately, not everyone has your ethics.” Storm smirked. “I know I don’t as I’m sure you’ve all figured out. But, it really wouldn’t have mattered since I didn’t get the choice.”

“What do you mean you didn’t get the choice?” I asked, mad on his behalf even though I was still pissed at him.

“I mean, sweet Nexus, that my father started injecting me with the serum when I was just thirteen and starting puberty. I think he wanted to see if it worked better when it was injected in a younger subject.” He smiled sadly at me.

I stood up and walked directly to him wrapping my arms around him. He hugged me back and kissed the top of my head.

“You saved me, Reverie, I felt the insanity trying to take hold, then I saw you at a gathering of our people. I knew you were my Nexus, and it gave me the strength to hang on.”

“He’s still a rat bastard, and nowhere near good enough for my Bestie, but I understand a little better why you did what you did.” Chloe murmured, still frowning at him.

“Can we get to the pending invasion of my world?” Jet growled, clearly at the end of his patience and looking strangely annoyed at my arm around Storm.

“I knew that my family along with a few other Factions had been meeting frequently. Unfortunately, he had the place shielded so I couldn’t listen in. They’re all power-hungry and resent having to hide what they are.” He pulled out of my arms and started pacing. “Kristine said, and I quote, ‘Students are going to have quite the surprise when they go home for Winter Break.’”

Jet started for the door but before he could open it, Pantar appeared.

“Nexus, you must get home. Your family is in distress and need your help immediately.”

I felt my heart drop, and Chloe jumped to her feet running to me. She was pushed out of the way by both of her brothers.

“Do you have any details?” Oren asked looking at Pantar.

“You can hear him?” Zane asked in surprise.

“Yes.” Storm answered abruptly then gave his attention back to Pantar.

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