Page 95 of The Art of Exiley

“It’s a rare genetic ability—even rarer than Sires. When a Nazir makes a vow to adhere to a strict code, they can amplify the strength of those around them.”

“What kind of code?”

“They vow to abstain from drinking alcohol, cutting their hair, or being in the presence of dead bodies.”

Michael fills his tray from the buffet, but I’m too distracted to get any lunch. I strain to remember the Sunday morning Hebrew school lessons my father insisted I attend. “Like Samson? And then Delilah cut his hair and he lost his power?”

“Yes. Samson is one of the most famous Nazirs given that his story is recorded in the Bible.”

“And you’re saying Nazirs give up these things for, like, ever?”

“If they choose to take the vow. But it’s a difficult commitment, and many Nazirs never do. I believe they still have some natural amplification abilities if they don’t break any of the criterion for a cycle of forty days. But if you’re so curious about Nazirs, you should ask Journey Vanguard. He was raised alongside the most famous Nazir in recent generations.” The precise angle of Michael’s brows when he says this makes it clear that he has a lot of questions about my association with said journey.

“Do you want to sit?” Michael gestures to the seat across from him, and I take it.

“You’re saying Prince Alexander is a Nazir?” I ask. I take a crunch-bomb from Michael’s plate, which he has graciously pushed in my direction. It’s a ball of brittle pastry and nuts drizzled in honey that crunches satisfyingly between my teeth, the honey making my bites sticky and slow.

“He is.”

“Is he also a Sire?”

“No. To be both is extremely rare. But Sire genetics are strong in the Vanguard family, which is consistent with the theory that Chorus—Prince Alexander’s partner—will be the mother of the Child of Three, the prophesied one who will be a Nazir, a Sire, and have the Sight.”

“Do you believe that prophecy? That their kid will end the exile?”

He takes a few moments to think before he answers. “I’ve always been taught that the recorded prophecies are meant to be a guide. So I believe there is a message in the prophecy, instructions—even if we don’t yet understand what they are. But I don’t think it’s any kind of promised future that is fated to happen.”

Interesting. “Has there ever been someone else with all three abilities?”

“There are conflicting accounts, but possibly Jesus.”

“Ohhh. Yeah, I’m definitely gonna have to ask Rafe more about this.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I regret them.

Michael scowls. “I don’t understand what you’re doing with him.”

I swallow a sigh. “You two aren’t so different, you know.”

He looks up sharply. “I’m nothing like him.”

“You’re both highly principled—though your principles might be different—and you’re both fiercely loyal to your friends and family. You’re both passionate about music and politics, and—”

He cuts me off. “Oh please, I’m not purposely prejudiced and proud of it, and I don’t lead people on just to get them into bed.”

I steal another crunch-bomb and laugh.

“Why are you laughing at me?”

“Michael, you are completely emotionally promiscuous.” Georgie had used that term, and it has stuck with me ever since.

“What is that supposed to mean?” The vein in his temple throbs.

“Oh, come on. You might not be jumping in and out of beds, but you, like, merge hearts with people and then keep them dangling on a stringas you move on and do the same thing to someone new.” I’ve had years of experience with Korach Chevalier to prepare me for Michael Loew.

His eyes look betrayed. “Being able to be open emotionally with my friends doesn’t make me… promiscuous.”

“I’m not saying you’re purposefully being an ass. I’m just pointing out that you’re not so innocent in the way you manipulate people.”

“Ada, that’s really harsh,” he says. And I know he’s right. I know I’m being a little cruel and that what I’m saying is only partially true. But there’s something inside me that wants to hurt him. That wants him to see that he hurts me every day.

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