Exordium (Emberhold Academy #1)

32. Reverie

I jumped out of bed and headed for the bathroom. I took a quick shower but before throwing my clothes on I took a moment to admire my mark. It was beautiful, it glowed slightly looking more balanced with the dagger and lightning bolt on either side of the ash tree. There were three spaces left, and I felt a strong need to fill them.

I didn’t know how much time had passed with me staring at my beautiful mark, but I quickly finished putting my clothes on and pulling my hair into a messy bun. Just as I walked into the living room the door opened and Storm entered, followed by all the guys that made my heart race faster. Minus my beloved Nathan.

Storm walked up and leaned down to kiss me. I turned my head. He kissed my cheek, like that was his target all along. Then he had the gall to put his arm around me and face the guys like we were a united front.

Shaking his arm off I moved a few steps in front of him. Zane rushed up to me, pulling me into his arms. Zeke was only steps behind and jerked me away from him then proceeded to look me over, for what I didn’t know. He looked less than thrilled seeing the hickeys and bite marks on my neck.

“Are you alright?” Zeke murmured looking for any signs of distress on my face.

I reached up and put my hand on his face, “I’m fine, Zeke.”

He pulled me into his arms and hugged the shit out of me. These Moons gave the best hugs. I couldn’t wait to meet their parents.

I felt Zane move up behind me engulfing me in the warmth of their bodies, one of my new favorite places to be.

“You may not be our Nexus yet, but we couldn’t adore you any more than we do now.” He was such a charmer.

“You’re speaking bullshit and don’t even know it, the feelings you have now will strengthen tenfold.” Storm grunted.

The guys just continued holding me and didn’t acknowledge him. It was obvious they were upset, and I didn’t blame them. Storm had jumped the line and both men were pissed. They’d put in the effort to court me properly and now were left on the outside looking in. I planned to correct that as soon as possible.

I saw Jet looking me over but keeping his distance.

“Are you good?” He murmured like the words were pulled out of him against his will. I nodded my head and reluctantly pulled away from the twins.

“What’s going on?”

“Please everybody, take a seat and I’ll try to explain.” Oren gestured toward the couch.

Everyone sat down except for Jet, he moved to stand directly behind me. I immediately felt protected when the massive man took the position.

Storm stood in front of us and cleared his throat, “I explained some of this in my lecture yesterday in class.” I interrupted him before he could continue speaking.

“Zane can you please go get Chloe? I think she needs to be part of this conversation.” I looked at Storm expecting him to protest but he remained quiet.

“Yes, I’ll be right back.” He left, but not before kissing me gently on the mouth, giving Storm a smug look. Storm was smart enough to let him have it.

“I brought sandwiches back for you, Nexus. Can I make you a small plate?” Storm headed toward the kitchen before I could answer.

Zeke frowned, “What kind of sandwich did you get? She prefers turkey and tomatoes with lots of mayo.”

I hid my grin because I knew Zeke enjoyed the role of providing me with food and didn’t appreciate Storm horning in on what he considered his responsibility.

“I’ve been watching her for weeks. I know what kind of sandwich she likes.” Storm said over his shoulder.

“Are you people really talking about sandwiches? There are way more important things to concentrate on.” Jet frowned impatient with all the delays.

Storm turned and looked at him in admonishment, “There is no more important thing in this world or any other than caring for our Nexus.”

I was a little stunned when Zeke grunted in agreement. Jet just stared at them like they were both crazy. Maybe they were but, I had to admit, I dug it. The Nexus in me preened at their words and attention.

I was used to this attitude since I was raised in the Aurathion culture. From Jet’s perspective I was sure it looked ridiculous, but to Faction the health and welfare of a Nexus was of utmost importance. I grew up seeing my fathers treat my mother like she was made of glass. I remember asking my mother why they did it when they both knew how strong she was.

“They don’t do it because they think I’m weak, they do it to show me they are worthy to be Faction.” Mom smiled at me.

“You don’t think they’re worthy already?” I was mad in my fathers' defense.

Mom pulled me close and kissed my forehead, “Of course they’re worthy. There are no better men in Aurathia or any other world, but if it makes them happy, who am I to deny them that.”

I understood what my mother meant now. I could feel through my connection with Oren how important it was for him to show me he cared and that all my needs were met. I couldn’t imagine how intense Zeke would feel after we bonded, he was a natural caretaker.

Oren returned with my food, and although he had a lot to make up for, it was hard not to forgive him when I could feel how much I meant to him.

“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 but that 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.

“All I know is the shields I placed around my Nexus’s family have disintegrated, and that shouldn’t be possible.” Pantar growled in obvious distress.

“Everyone, get to your rooms and pack a small bag. Only pack things that are necessary. We’ll meet in Reverie’s dorm and Pantar can create a portal. Hurry.” Oren gave me a scorching kiss before walking into his room.

Chloe and I rushed back to our dorm packing things we thought might be important. Meeting again in the living room in less than ten minutes. “Chloe, you don’t have any abilities yet and this might be dangerous-” She cut me off before I could finish.

“Don’t insult me by finishing that sentence. I’m coming with you. I’ll contact my parents when we find out what’s going on and they can help.” She narrowed her eyes.

I held my hands up in surrender, “OK, I just don’t know what’s going to be waiting for us.”

“I’ll stay close to her.” Pantar told me, appearing next to me.

The door burst open, and the guys came in together. I was anxious to get to my parents, so as soon as the door shut, I turned to Pantar, “Can you create a portal?”

“Yes, Nexus.” He turned and pointed his tentacles at the hallway. A swirling circle appeared just big enough for a large man to fit through. We were all amazed but now wasn’t the time to question him.

I wasted no time heading for it but was pulled back suddenly. I was surprised to see Jet holding my arm. “Let us go through first. We have no idea what’s on the other side.”

“You do know I can take care of myself. I have access to abilities, and you don’t.” I now knew he was feeling the connection too.

“I don’t need abilities.” He stepped into the portal without another word.

“Well doesn’t that make the rest of us feel a little inadequate.” Zane grinned at Jet’s arrogance despite their situation, before following behind him.

Zeke kissed my forehead then took Chloe’s hand, “Let Oren bring you through.”

Chloe waved before stepping through with her brother.

“Looks like it’s our turn, little Nexus.” Storm put his arm around me.

I stopped him before we stepped through and turned to Pantar, “Are you coming?”

“Yes, Nexus I will be right behind you.” He nodded his head regally.

I looked up at Storm and he smiled in reassurance. We both turned and walked through the portal.

The portal brought us out directly in front of my house. I felt my legs collapse and the only thing holding me up was Oren’s arms around me. The house I grew up in was on fire. Smoke and flames were billowing out of the windows upstairs and I didn’t see any sign of my parents.

Zeke and Zane were running around the house yelling my parents’ names and trying to find a way to get in. Chloe ran to my side and took me so Storm could help the guys. Jet came from behind the house and shook his head at Storm, letting him know that he didn’t find any evidence of my parents back there.

Pantar appeared and roared in outrage at the destruction of my home, joining the guys in searching for my parents. They all returned shortly, and I knew by the looks on their faces that they hadn’t found any trace of them.

Suddenly, a small portal appeared. The guys all took up a defensive stance around me and Chloe with Pantar in the front, teeth bared ready to tear into any threat leveled at his Faction.

I heard the twins yell in shock and pushed my way to the front, so I could see what was going on. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Nathan and a massive man step through the portal.

“NEXI!!!!! WHERE IS MY NEXI?!!!”

I felt like my heart was going to beat right out of my chest. I was frozen in shock, but Nathan didn’t have the same issue and appeared right in front of me faster than I could blink. He stopped before taking me in his arms and just stared at me.

“Oh, my precious Nexi. I’ve missed you.” Nathan raised his hand to catch a tear running down my face. He brought it to his mouth and the spell was broken as we both reached for the other at the same time. Nathan kissed my face everywhere he could reach, and I held him with all the strength in my body. “My Nexi, I’m sorry that we’re too late. We tried getting here in time to stop it.” He frantically explained in between kisses.

“What is it?” Storm asked, interrupting our reunion.

Nathan stopped kissing me abruptly and narrowed his eyes at Storm.

“Why do I feel a connection to you?”

“I’m now your Faction brother.” He reached for my arm, but before he could make contact Nathan punched him directly in the nose. Storm fell to his ass for the second time today.

I put my hand out to intervene, when the large man that came through with Nathan appeared, “There’s no time for this bullshit.”

I couldn’t believe my eyes! I’d seen pictures of him and been told stories for as long as I could remember.

“Dad?”

He startled, looking into my amber eyes that were so like my mother’s and fell to his knees. Putting his head in his hands for a moment he looked up at me once more, with tears streaming down his face he leaned his head back and screamed, “ADELAIDE!”