Page 58 of Regressive

I walk over to the chairs and sit. It’s a strange vantage point, I’m used to being the one at the front of the class, but at the same time, Anex is my teacher. I should be honored he’s taken the time to address me personally. “What is it you need me to do?”

“This is actually about Imogene.”

“Imogene?” A flicker of worry fills my chest. “What about her?”

“My family is growing, Levi. Margaret is with child. Rex has brought Imogene into our lives. After years of only having a son, I now have a family.” The declaration seems harsh—seeing as how we thoughtwewere his family, but I understand. It’s why I crave a mate of my own. “The Way has spoken to me about how to integrate Imogene into the future of our family. After much meditation and thought, I’ve decided to move her out of her position here, at the Center and to the Childcare facility once it opens.”

“That sounds like a wonderful opportunity,” I say. Working in the Center is an honor, but so will a position at his new project. Anex choses positions carefully. “I know she loves her work here, she’s very devoted, but working on a new project… I can only imagine she’ll be excited.”

“Change is hard for women like Imogene. Her defiant streak runs hot, but yes, I think she’ll come around to it.” He looks down at me. “It’s out of necessity. Some recent activities, mostly outside of Serendee, have made me reassess. As a member of my direct family, the risks are too high for her to be outside of the community.”

I nod. “That makes sense to keep Rex’s mate safe.”

I notice the slight twitch in his eye when I say Rex’s name. I press forward. “I’m ready for whatever task you need me to do. I’m glad to help her transition if necessary. She’s taken to me as her Guide, and I think I will be able to—”

“You will no longer be in charge of Imogene’s Corrections.”

The news hits me hard—like my anchor has been lifted and I’m suddenly unmoored. “I—” I clear my throat, trying to compose myself. “Can I ask why?”

“As you just said, you’ve done remarkable work guiding Imogene during the transition of her Order. It was no easy feat, not with her temperament, and Rex’s determination to muddy her mind about Serendee with his toxic beliefs.” His voice is calm, collected, even though I know Rex’s Regression bothers him deeply. “Tonight, she will complete her initiation with the women’s group. Despite the distractions by my son, she has taken the steps toward higher Enlightenment. She’s ready for more and I applaud you for your role in that—it’s just no longer needed.”

“Anex—if I may,” I say, trying to soothe the panic building in my chest, “Imogene will still require Corrections. Like you said, she has a defiant streak and the only thing to keep her in line is by addressing her Lapses.”

“I agree,” he says, “which is why I, as the leading male in her family, will take over her Corrections.”

“You?” I whisper.

“Of course. It’s my duty.” He looks over my head, around the room. “Is that what you’ve been teaching in your course?”

“I—” I swallow. “Yes.”

He smiles, kind and empathetic. “Don’t worry, I’m not demoting you or anything. With the growth of my family and obligations to Serendee, I will need you to take over some of my obligations.” My back straightens. This is… a surprise. An honor. “I would like you to take over the re-education of the Fallen.”

The Fallen. I’m aware of who they are, and where they live. They have not been part of my duties—but Silas’. He has told me about the women kept there and how just visiting drains him. I have seen Bethany with my own eyes as she serves us during our private meetings with Anex.

I know what re-education means. These people are the dregs of Serendee. No matter what he says, it’s a demotion. Or at the very least a punishment. My mind races, what have I done to deserve this and then it hits me.

I’m too close to the one person he wants the most: Imogene.

I swallow the lump in my throat. “Thank you for the consideration,” I say, “but I am not sure I’m comfortable with that position.”

Anex’s eyes narrow. “Are you trying to decline the opportunity I just offered you?”

“I think it would be of better use here—teaching this class. Instructing the men on how to manage themselves and their households.” I’m aware that what I am doing is unheard of—saying no to Anex. I have never done it before. Not once. But he’s just taken the one thing I’ve ever wanted—ever had—away from me and now… he’s giving me the rejects? The worst of our kind? “I’m sorry, I just don’t think that this is the best use of my skills and gifts given to me by The Way.”

He stares at me, unmoving, for a long moment. Enough time for sweat to bead on the back of my neck. Finally, he slides off the stool and says, “I understand.”

I rise from my seat. “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be.” He steps forward, thrusting out his hand. I give him mine and he clasps them together. “You’ve always been my most devoted son,” he says. “If you feel called to decline this opportunity, then I must consider that.”

I exhale. “Thank you.”

He cups my cheek with his hand. “Thankyoufor your honestly, Levi. I wish more of the people close to me were.”

The smile he gives me before he walks out of the room doesn’t quite reach his eyes and it fills me with an uneasiness. It could be from the shock of everything I just learned.

One thing I know for certain, things are changing in Serendee and I suspect it’s going to impact us all.

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