Page 12 of Blinding Light

The small room he rented had an even smaller bathroom that consisted of a shower, toilet, tiny sink, and a medicine cabinet.It didn’t take Cyprian much to get ready, thankful for the simple wardrobe that he packed. He took a deep breath and stepped out of his bedroom, locking it before joining Archer in the kitchen. His eyes were burning from fatigue. “Hey.”

His roommate was messing around with some pots and pans and turned to Cyprian, a timid smile on his oval face. His hair, a deep indigo, was tied back in a messy bun at his nape. His eyes, surprisingly that same shade of blue, were large and friendly. The anti-eyebrow piercing that adorned his cheekbone glimmered from the sun that came through the kitchen window.

“How are you feeling?” Archer gestured to a plate. “I made us some tiganos, a Helion breakfast treat, to welcome you to our planet. Would you like some?”

“I, uhm, sure.” Feeling awkward, Cyprian circled a finger around a raven strand before tucking it back behind his ear and sitting down on one of the stools. A brown cat sat on the windowsill, sweeping an unimpressed glare through the spacious kitchen. “What’s his name?”

“Helianth,” Archer blushed.

“That’s a nice name.” Cyprian eyed the cat. His baby sister Nikkie had always wanted one, but his oldest brother Ichor, the biggest asshole in the world, had promised to drown every pet that came into their house. He didn’t miss him.

“Yes, it is.” Archer placed a steaming plate in front of him. “You don’t have to eat all of them. I always make too many.”

The tiganos looked like thick wraps, filled with honey, nuts and something else that was made of a brown substance. Cyprian carefully pushed his fork in it.

“It’s fig jam. I hope you have a sweet tooth. Helions love sweet things.”

And…there went Cyprian’s thoughts. Back to last night, when he’d fled from the Imperial Prince. No one had said anything, not even Bekn, but he had felt their gazes. They had known. By the time the spaceship had landed on Helion, Cyprian had been exhausted. He had fallen asleep in the taxi and woken briefly to swipe his multi-slate to pay for the ride. Archer hadn’t been home, but multiple welcome notes guided him through the two-bedroom apartment.

Which had been perfect. The moment Cyprian’s head had touched the pillow, he had passed out. For twelve hours apparently.

Swallowing his first bite, he nodded at Archer. “It’s really good.” His roommate beamed and started filling up mugs with coffee. After he had joined him, they just sat there, eating, enjoying the silence. Quieter than his home in Tulrini, where there was always something going on with six foster kids. But there was also a soothing rustle that filled that quietness here. “What’s that sound?”

“Trees,” Archer said and gestured to the window, where Helianth still sat, half asleep. “Helion has a reputation to uphold. We are the greenest planet in the Crystal Sea.”

Cyprian pushed his empty plate to the side, and with his mug in hand, he walked toward the open window. The sky was blue, but as far as his eyes reached, he saw trees. He was raised in a jester, an enclosed village, protected from the outside world with barriers and security. This was unlike anything he had ever seen before.

“Umbral Park.”

Cyprian turned over his shoulder. Archer smiled, pointing toward the green view. “It leads up to the campus. During the day, it’s a great shortcut, but I advise you to take the bus when you finish after five in the afternoon.”

“The bus?” He looked at the traffic below. He’d never taken a bus before.

“The Academy has free public transport for students. There’s one that stops just down there.” Archer got him and joined him by the window. He pointed across the street. “In fact, let’s takeone now, so you know how it works. Unless you want to walk through the park to campus?”

“To campus?”

Archer grinned. “I thought I’d give you a tour before classes start. Help you settle in. Unless you prefer going alone?”

“No.” Cyprian swallowed. Archer’s words made his chest tighten. He had never had someone looking out for him. Back home, he was one of the eldest, and he’d protected his younger brothers and sisters from the wrath of their oldest brother and their parents. “The bus is fine. Thank you.”

“Alright then. I’ll go and put on my shoes.”

The apartment was situated in a quiet neighbourhood, far enough from the student hustle, the main reason why Cyprian had chosen the place. The ride to the Academy was short, and the facility was easy to use. During one of their messages, Archer had explained that he had inherited the condo from his grandparents and needed a roommate to cover costs. With his savings, Cyprian would be able to cover the first six months without needing to have a job. He had told Archer the same story as he’d told Bekn, the excellent reputation of the Helion art facility being the reason why he wanted to change planets. And the deal was sealed.

“Welcome to Helion Academy,” his new roommate announced when they hopped out of the bus. He pointed toward a large arcade that stood at the entrance of a large complex made of multiple buildings in different shapes and sizes. “First building on your right is the sports centre. A busy place early in the morning and right after classes, from four to seven at night. Should you want to stay until that time—” He threw a thumb over his shoulder.

“I take the bus back.”

“You’re a fast learner!” Archer smiled, then gestured for them to move ahead and pass the barriers where they were stopped by two guards.

Cyprian’s heart sped up. Seeing Archer hold up his multi-slate to be scanned scared the shit out of him. What if the software hadn’t activated in time, and he was still Cyprian Creighton instead of Xander Devers?

“This is daily control,” Archer explained. “Nothing to worry about.” He must have felt Cyprian’s unease.

Following Archer’s example, Cyprian held up his index finger, forcing a small smile as he nodded a greeting at the security officer. With a dismissive wave, they were cleared. Cyprian’s relief was palpable.

“Okay, that building over there is the canteen. If you don’t like local food, several restaurants on campus serve different specialities.” He pointed at a large, white building. “That’s the science department. If you need me, that’s where I am most of the time.” He smiled. “Although…you’re going to study art, right? I’m doing a minor in art. Perhaps we will have some classes together. Let me show you where you’ll be.”

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