I reared backward, squinting at him. “Why would I do that? James was the Nexis president when he disappeared. Shouldn’t I start there?”
Dad pursed his lips together and shook his head. “There are some strange circumstances about Nexis and your brother’s disappearance that I’ll get to in a minute. But Montrose Paranormal Academy is a school based on a neutral alliance between the Three Societies. You need to maintain your own neutrality, or at least keep the pretense of not choosing sides, to survive there. Do you understand?”
Judging by his serious scowl, I could tell he meant every word. “Okay, you win. If it means that much to you, I’ll pledge all three societies.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.” He ruffled my hair again and the worried look washed away. “Your definition of the three societies is accurate. But there are more sinister undercurrents, nuances, and politics that your Mom and I have kept from you until your were mature enough.”
“Do you think I’m old enough now?” My heart fluttered at the thought.
He cracked a smile, grabbing both of my hands. “I think you’re ready to learn this truth. The Nexis Society isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
I furrowed my forehead at him in the way Mom hated. “But you and Mom are both members. I don’t get it.”
He squeezed my fingers. “The Nexis Society is all about power. They covet power and they’ll do anything to get it. Do you understand why?”
With a gulp, I nodded. “Because we’re part of the Firstborn Bloodline. Out of our family will come the next Seer.”
“That’s right. It’s the reason I’m giving you my grandmother’s ring. For protection.” From his pocket he pulled out a worn burgundy velvet jewelry box. The hinges creaked as he opened it to reveal an amethyst ring set in a silvery white gold. “Once a century a firstborn from our bloodline emerges as the Seer. Your great-grandmother was the Seer of the twentieth century. And someone from our family line will be the Seer of the twenty-first century.”
“Since I’m the second born, it’ll be James or one of his children, right? Is that why he disappeared to Europe?” Examining the beautiful purple stones, I placed the band on my left ring finger. A surge of static electricity zinged up my arm.
Dad bit his lip. “Not exactly. Your brother was actually—”
Mom burst into the room, beaming at me. “My eldest daughter is going to Montrose Academy. I couldn’t be more proud.”
I tried to smile at Mom as she grabbed my right hand. Dad stuffed the ring box back into his pocket.
“Don’t furrow your forehead like that, dear. You look like a worried bulldog.” Mom’s fingers slid over my brow.
In an instant I rose to my feet, my gaze darting between my two parents. “What’s going on here?”
Mom’s eyes glistened as she squeezed my hand. “I’m so happy you’re attending Montrose like your father. Once you join Nexis and graduate, you’ll be a shoo-in for Yale. That’s where your father and I met.”
“Yes, I remember.” I mumbled to my flip-flops, wriggling free from her grip. “It’s where you wanted James to go, before he disappeared to Europe.”
She gave me a thin smile. “I only want the best for my children. Of course, I want you to join Nexis and attend Yale. You’ll be set for life. What mother wouldn’t want that for her child?”
I cringed and resumed packing. My mother’s expectations had always weighed heavy on my shoulders. She came from a high-society family, just like my father. The only difference was that she expected perfection all the time, or at least the appearance of it. Dad’s clan was much more down-to-earth. Definitely more my speed.
My dad seemed to cringe right along with me, but I couldn’t help but wonder why. He was on the verge of telling me something important about James. Something he didn’t want Mom to hear. And he’d just totally bashed Nexis. Could he secretly be a member of one of the other societies—the Guardians or the Watchers? If so, why would my parents be on different sides?
Footsteps pounded on the carpet as my little sister, Paige, ran into the room. “What’d I miss?”
“Just more packing. I’m in desperate need of advice from the house fashionista.” I couldn’t help but grin at my sister. Even though she was only thirteen, she had better fashion sense than I’d ever posses.
“Don’t worry, Paige to the rescue.” She dove into my closet and brought out armfuls of clothes to pack. “But you’ll need a few more suitcases.”
“You think?” I smiled and ruffled her hair, just like Dad. It was strange how protective I’d become toward my sister these past three years. Somehow, it felt like my job to preserve a little innocence in this house.
My brother’s disappearance had changed my entire family. Everyone expected James to go off to Yale and on to a prominent life. He’d done everything Mom had asked at Montrose Paranormal Academy. He’d even been elected Nexis president his senior year. But something strange happened on the night of his graduation. My parents had told me James had witnessed his girlfriend’s death, and that was what spooked him all the way to Europe. But it didn’t add up. James would never leave without telling me. Mom and Dad were hiding something—probably a secret Nexis wouldn’t let them tell anyone. What role had Nexis played in my brother’s disappearance?
In a few days I’d find out for myself. Sure, I’d keep my word and pledge all three societies on campus. But I had my own reasons. They had nothing to do with neutrality and everything to do with finding out the truth about James.
Chapter 1
Rough brick scraped against my fingertips, jagged as the scar at the edge of my hairline. I leaned into the cool shade of my stately campus dorm and forced myself to remember why I wanted to attend Montrose
