Page 118 of Blinding Light

Cyprian felt his palm heat when Moargan reached for his incisor with long, deft fingers. His veins crackled with a need that settled inside his heart and made it tick fast.

“Hmmm.” Moargan leaned in, and Cyprian could feel him breathe in greedily. “Yes. Love how you pant for me, lover.” His mouth brushed over the sore spot on Cyprian’s throat, and Cyprian was disappointed when he didn’t do more than leave a small kiss behind. “This is the jewel I give you as your bonded. We will insert the other ones during the formal ceremony. We will show the entire nation that we belong together.” Moargan’s lips crashed on his, and Cyprian yielded when Moargan’s tongue swept over his mouth, demanding entry. The kiss was intoxicating, just like the surging connection that buzzed between them. “My kingdom,” Moargan murmured against Cyprian’s mouth. “My prince.” Another kiss, this one lingering until they both ran out of breath. “Come. Let’s shower.”

They padded toward the bathroom. Cyprian hummed in contentment when Moargan slowly started to undress him.

“It’s time.” Moargan brushed his lips over Cyprian’s and left the foggy bathroom. “There’s a car waiting for me.”

Cyprian felt the need to hold Moargan just that little longer. To feel his heartbeat under the firmness of his own skin. But now was not the time. A strike of their palm would have to do. “Good luck, angel. Bring him home.”

“I fucking will.” Moargan’s multi-slate dinged. When his dipped gaze lingered for too long, Cyprian frowned.

“Moargan? What’s wrong? Is it Helianth?”

“It’s Kylix.” Moargan looked up. “He’s finally woken up. He wants to see me.” His hands flew over his multi-slate. “I’ll go and see him first. Come with me?”

“You go.”

Moargan’s coat dangled in the air. “Is there something else you’re not telling me?”

“No. But I need to go back there, Moargan. I—” Cyprian licked his lips.“I told you about this pull I feel. It’s like these voices are calling out for me. I know it’s dangerous on the streets right now. I know that you don’t want me to go?—”

“You’re damn right.” Moargan clenched his jaw. He looked like a wild animal, barely kept at bay. He reached out, cupping Cyprian’s chin and tilting him up so they could face each other. “Listen carefully. Do I understand why you want to put yourself in danger? No. Do I want to stop you from going? Yes, fucking yes. But I won’t. You know I believe in you. You know I believe that you will be powerful. And perhaps this whole thing is—” He gestured with his hands, then let out a heavy sigh. “Necessary. But…three things,” he added before Cyprian could open his mouth to thank him. “You take the guards and keep them with you at all times. You keep connected for my calls. And you stay safe. Because I will tear the world down if something happens to you.”

“Thank you.” Cyprian wrapped his arms around Moargan and pressed a kiss on his lips, reveling in that unique scent of pine tar and opium.

The Imperial prince curled an arm around his nape and yanked him closer; their kiss was a promise. Their palms touched, the bond knitting together, fueled by desire and connection. “Keep me with you. Let me know where you are. And if you need me, I’ll be there.”

This time, the ride to the port was more comfortable. The two guards in the front of the car sat in silence as they made their way through the endless block of colourful skyscrapers that was Zephyr’s upper side.

“Where do you want us to park the car?” One of the Luminary guards asked when they finally reached the parking area.

“Row twelve.” Cyprian peered outside the window. Three planets hung low in the clear skyline, their bright colours making it seem as if they truly were close by. “There.” Ahead of them was the building. “Stop here.”

The moment he got out of the car, Cyprian felt the familiar tension form in his head. He pushed the door of the building—already destabilized and off its hinges—and peered down.

His vision fractured, and he saw a different set of stairs. Steep as they led toward a voice, a single light lingering. Guidance.

Dariux.

Cyprian pushed down the stairs, the guards muttering behind him as they hurried to keep up, and his eyes had to adjust to the approaching darkness that made his stomach roll and his mind rattle.

“Archer?” The name echoed around the metal spiral staircase. His friend had already texted him. He was down here, painting. Cool air welcomed him once his feet hit the ground,and he shivered. As far as his sight could reach, he saw the underground parking lot. The space, once occupied by the city of Zephyr, is mostly abandoned nowadays. Vehicles were dotted around, looking forlorn in its obscurity.

“Archer!”

Can you hear me?

Down here, the voice felt closer. Cyprian’s teeth chattered at the sudden rush of cool air. “H-hello?”

Nothing.

“Archer?”

Hear me.

Cyprian reached for his head and fisted his hair with a pained groan as pressure built inside his head.

Hear me.

---