Page 109 of Blinding Light

Black Mohawk snorted. “That’s what he tells all the girls. Just shut up.”

Cyprican ignored him, instead went back to staring outside. Across from him, the girls were giggling, surely making fun of him. He fisted his hand, willing his thoughts far away. He could feel Theo watching him through the mirror. It was unnerving. He wondered if he’d accepted his apology from before after Helianth had fucked him so brutally for the world to see. Perhaps not. Perhaps this was Theo’s way of getting back to him. Cyprian grumbled inwardly. He was looking into this way too much.

“Check your multi-slates. The press conference has begun.”

Everybody stared at their wrists where the Imperial appeared, Moargan by his side. A striking duo of blond and amethyst.

Their monologue stressed the need for safety. They revealed that the killer had not yet been identified. Whoever was responsible for making Helion an unsafe place was an enemy of the entire nation.

“And there’s more news.” Milanov cleared his throat, staring right into the camera. “ I have to report Helianth, my son, and your Imperial Prince, is officially missing. We believe that he has been taken by the serial killer, or killers, who callthemselves Attica. Mark the name, fellow Helions,Attica, because it stands for blood and destruction.”

Moargan closed his eyes with a deep inhale, and Cyprian knew his angel was as surprised as the rest of their planet. “Helianth, brother…” he started.

What followed was a string of words spoken in Helian. They were clearly meant for Helianth, a plea from one brother to the other to please return home if he could hear this message.

“Isn’t he your boyfriend?” The other girl asked.

“Shhh. There’s more,” Black Mohawak shushed. “They found a fourteenth victim? Good light.” Their multi-slate showed the photo of a young man in a Luminary uniform. “Really? The nations are under threat by an assassin and the Imperial decides to put inexperienced, young uniforms on the case?” Black Mohawk scoffed and leaned back, looking out the window. “That’s all the proof we need of their incompetence.”

“Do you think they’ll kill the prince?” One of the girls asked.

Her friend chuckled. “He might end up killing himself if that counts. Pretty boy has never had to work a day in his life. Hey Runt,Runt.” She tapped on the driver’s chair behind him. “I bet he was a good fuck, though?” Both girls giggled.

Cyprian shivered at the memory. He could feel Theo watching him through the rearview mirror, but the other guy hadn’t spoken since he’d been told to shut up. Why the hell would he stay with people who called him that?

Black Mohawk closed his eyes. “Why are you not asking what you really want to know?”

Cyprian hesitated. Right now, he wanted many answers, though this felt like a trick question. His gaze flicked back to Theo. The resemblance was cunning. “Do you know a guy called Bekn?”

Everyone laughed.

“Okay…I’ll take that as a yes.” No one answered.

“Next question.”

“Uhm, what do you think of the press conference?”

Black Mohawk opened one eye. “What do you want me to say?”

“You seem…pleased?”

Then the other man grinned, shaking his head, his entire expression changed as if a button had been pushed. “Chill, dude, I’m just messing with you. This is the same old shit if you ask me. Rich people ordering poor people around. Throw in a killer and the kidnapping of a prince, and you have a good story. Apparently, the prince was out on a hunt to find this killer. Turns out, he became the prey.”

Another round of laughter.

Outside, the docks came into view. Large containers and boats floated on the Crystal Sea, seagulls floating around. Cyprian breathed out in relief.

“Poor guy doesn’t even know what’s coming for him,” one of the girls giggled, the sound scraping Cyprian’s thoughts.

“What do you mean?” Cyprian frowned. He wondered if they were still referring to Helianth.

“Still not asking the right question.” Black Mohawk looked smug.

“That too.” The girl laughed and gave him a small wave. “Bye, Cyprian.”

Cyprian got out and pulled his coat tighter around his shoulder. He inhaled the cool, salty air and shivered. He’d always loved the sea. Not today. The pressure was returning to his head, an invisible presence at the door of his mind.

Knock knock.

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