Page 9 of Exordium

“Would you mind repeating that? I didn’t hear what you asked.” I felt my face get hot and shot Zane a scowl. She gave me a weird look but repeated herself.

“I was just saying how lucky we were to have a family that prepared us. I don’t understand why every Aurathion wouldn’t do the same for their children?”

“You have to remember that some of these students are from families that were latent for so many generations they didn’t even know they were Aurathion. I’ve heard of students that went in for different medical reasons, and due to blood work, Aurathions in the medical profession were able to bring them into the fold.” I explained, thinking of how we explained finding Nathan.

“There is a first year, a guy, Nathan Strauss, that literally fits that scenario,” Zane said in surprise.

“Ya’ll seem to be extremely well informed,” I smiled and casually moved my leg over. Sure enough, Zane’s foot soon followed. The confidence in this one ran strong.

“It’s crazy what a little flirting in the admin office will get you,” Zane smirked, having the cojones to rub his foot up and down my leg.

“I bet,” I frowned at the thought of him flirting with another woman. Chloe rolled her eyes and shoulder-bumped me.

“These two manwhores are ridiculous. But they do get all the best gossip!”

“I’m not a manwhore.” Zeke hurried to say. “I used to be a man whore, but I’m not anymore.” He looked at me pointedly. Chloe stared at them in suspicion, and then looked over at me.

Before she could comment Zane asked, “So, Reverie, do you think you’re Nexus or Faction?”

“Hey, moron, you don’t just ask that as soon as you meet someone!” Chloe scowled at him.

“I’d like to agree with you, but I think I asked you about them this morning,” I smiled letting her know I didn’t mind the question.

Zane bumped knuckles with Zeke.

“She’s already asking about us, brother. The Moon twins for the win!”

“More like the I-want-to-moon-them twins,” Chloe smirked. I started laughing, and she joined in.

“So, back to the original question, please,” Zeke raised his eyebrows. I was surprised at his persistence. He seemed like the more reserved twin.

“I’m not sure yet. I have no preference either way. I can see advantages to both.” I obviously couldn’t admit to being Nexus, but it felt wrong keeping it from them.

“Well, maybe we can get dinner one night this week and discuss the pros and cons,” Zane suggested with a wink.

“Sounds like a p-”

Suddenly I found myself sitting in Precious.

“What the hell?!” I screeched. Oh no!!! The power Nathan acquired on completing the bond must have manifested in me. This wasn’t supposed to happen until my Faction was complete. Of course, I would be the exception to the rule. I hoped the Moon siblings were as trustworthy as I thought they were. When they found out Emberhold hadn’t taken me to initiation they would know something was up. It seems like mine and Nathan’s bond wasn’t through throwing out surprises. I guess I should have expected that after the way it had all begun.

Chapter 4

Reverie

Ishowed up to Prom with the varsity quarterback, hoping this would finally discourage Nathan in his relentless pursuit of me. Nathan hated Dane Taylor as far back as I could remember. They competed for everything, and Nathan usually came up as the winner. Football was the one thing they didn’t compete in because Dane was the quarterback, and Nathan was a first-team all-district running back. Nathan scored the winning touchdown at state this year, and even though theydidn’t play the same position Dane was pissed that Nathan upstaged him and let his displeasure be known far and wide.

Since that first day of kindergarten, Nathan had never hidden how he felt about me—switching tactics from harshly bullying, to sweet cards and gifts. He was a true Psychopath. My fathers hated him with a passion. The girls in school could never understand why I wouldn’t go out with him. He was the best-looking guy in school, outgoing, cocky, intelligent, every teacher’s dream student. I knew the truth though, he was crazy, and he had no limits. I would have admired that if he had been Aurathion.

Nathan would pull me into the janitor’s closet and beg me to love him. When that didn’t work, he would date anyone and everyone to try to make me jealous. Spoiler alert, it worked, but I could never let it show. Once, he even tried to blackmail me by saying he would tell everyone I cheated on finals. The incident at the beginning of senior year was something I tried to forget. It should have made me hate him, but it had the opposite effect. I was apparently as fucking crazy as he was. Nathan would never accept defeat. Leaving for Emberhold would be my only relief.

Honestly, I thought I probably loved his crazy ass, but a relationship wasn’t possible with a human, no matter how much I wished otherwise. The Aurathion people needed as many strong Factions as possible. I knew where my duty lay, even at the expense of my heart. I would probably pine for the bastard for the rest of my life. We had already lost one world, and my people couldn’t afford to lose another.

As we walked into the building Dane leaned over and whispered in my ear,

“As soon as I show Nathan who the best man is, I say we get out of here.”

“Sure, we will. Let’s find a table and get a drink.” I rolled my eyes. Hopefully, somebody spiked the punch, or this night was going to last for fucking ever. I really hoped Nathan appreciated the lengths I would go to save him from heartache. He had also brought a date, but I was pretty sure he was hoping for the opposite result than me.

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