Days crept by, and I fought off the numbness by learning more about their culture. I knew a few key points from our Rainer classes, but actually being here was a different beast entirely.

The seasons fluctuated unpredictably. Summer could last over a year, and winter could last a month or even ten months. You never knew what you were going to get. Nights were similar—sometimes the two suns set hours earlier than expected, and sometimes they didn’t set at all.

Most things were similar to Earth, except for the lifespan. Rainers easily lived to about 140 years on average. They also had strange wildlife and several sub-Rainer species that looked like the aliens we had learned about years prior to their arrival. Avital, for example, was an Orby.

There were also many horrifying tales about a species called the Fae. They looked like Rainers but were actually stone-cold killers with no moral compass, possessing magic that most Rainers did not have.

I was in the Skylars' library when Maddox entered, his black suit immaculate, red satin bow tie shining in the morning sun streaming through the large glass panels. He was one of those unfairly handsome men who became more attractive with age. He looked a bit like Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

“Lux, may I have a minute?” I looked up from my book; I was reading about their various states.

“I guess so, sir.” I hesitated, standing and smoothing my white blouse and burgundy skirt. My auburn hair was in a long fishtail braid hanging loosely over my left shoulder. Maddox stepped closer and sat down across from me, taking a deep breath.

“There are some important things we need to discuss. For one, your arrangements. You are welcome to stay here with us. You’ve always been part of the family. However, if you like, I can arrange a house for you, or you could stay at the Welkins' estate.”

At the mention of Kai, whom I was still livid at, I yelped. “No, sir, but thank you, sir. I’m fine for the moment. If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay here with you.”

I’d rather stay with the guy who bullied me for the last four years than go to my other former best friend’s house.

Maddox smiled softly. “Then it’s settled. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you change your mind. We’ve had Melixes Welkin select an entire wardrobe for you, and you’ll find it in your new walk-in closet.”

“Who’s Melixes? I thought his mother’s name was Elia?”

“Melixes is his little sister. She never came to Earth. She chose not to.”

Another pang hit my heart. Kai had never mentioned his sister to me. Nearly a year of friendship, and the jerk had so many secrets. He was never truly my friend or boyfriend. I could see that now.

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“There is one other thing.” I could tell this was far more serious by Maddox’s sudden nervousness.

“I’m listening…”

“We would like to enroll you in the first year of college at Rivellin Academy here in Rivellin. Jax and the twins will be there, as well as a few other humans now living here.”

“I don’t see why that’s a problem. I would love the education, as I don’t plan to spend the rest of my days uneducated and doing nothing.” I had planned on going to college back on Earth soon anyway, but I could tell there was something more he wasn’t saying.

“I’ll be hosting the annual Spring Mixer two nights from now. All the influential Rainers will be there. I hope you’ll join us. I can arrange for a nice dress.”

“I’m not really in the mood for parties.”

“I understand, but you start college next week. I don’t know how far you’ve gotten in that book, but you need to understand that, in our world, politics are literally everything. I need everyone to know that you are protected by Skylar and Welkin blood. This is non-negotiable, Miss Elmrose.”

“Why? Why is that so important to you?”

“There are certain Rainers who…” he scratched his throat, “well, you are… very interesting to many individuals. Your fertility is just one of those things, as 97% of our female population can’t conceive anymore.”

I snorted. “So, I’m in danger from all the men, I assume?”

“Mostly, it’s the Fae you should worry about. But some Rainers may resent the fact that you can reproduce and they can’t. Rainers live with a high moral code, but still… never underestimate the power of jealousy, Lux. If you’re seen as one of us at the Mixer, they’ll be even less likely to try anything. They wouldn’t dare harm a Paramore’s protégé.”

“What’s with these Paramores anyway? I haven’t read that anywhere yet. Avital called Jax that a few days ago.”

Maddox hesitated and glanced out the window. The two suns were shining brightly, somewhere in the middle of the afternoon.

“There are thirteen rulers of this nation, referred to as the Tertin. Their heirs are called Paramores.”

“Like senators, like back on Earth? Who are they?”

“You already know two. Jax is the Paramore of House Skylar. Kai is the Paramore of House Welkin. Then we have the Barringtons—the oldest one, Sebastian, is the Paramore of House Barrington—and Oak Briareve, the Paramore of House Briareve. Those are just four from our state; there are nine more representing the other states. Usually, only the Paramores go to Earth, which is why you’ve met two of them.”

“All men? How patronizing.” I scoffed.

“That’s just coincidence. Kai’s mother was the oldest of her generation and the previous Paramore of House Welkin. My wife was as well, but when she passed, I became the new regent of the Skylar branch.”

I let the words settle. “Wouldn’t it… you know… put me in more danger to be the protégé of two Paramore families?”

Maddox’s eyes widened a bit, and I could see a trace of pride that I’d drawn such a conclusion.

“You’d think so. However, the consequences of hurting one of our protégés are so severe that no one would dare it.” He winked and stood up, done with the conversation.

He looked so much like Jax in that moment, it was eerie.

“Thank you, Maddox,” I said. “Thank you for everything.”

“My pleasure, Lux. You’ve always been like a daughter to me. I’m glad to have you back in our lives.”

My throat tightened at his words. For the last four years, Jax had taken away my other family, too.

It felt good to hear this from Maddox’s lips. He was often more of a father to me than my own. Since my mom’s death, my dad’s happiness had been consumed by his grief, so good moments with him were rare.

Now I’d never have any moments—good or bad—with him ever again.