Page 44 of Blinding Light

Vandor gave him a hint of a smile. “Things are about to change. It’s my job to keep you safe.” And then he left, vanishing in the increasing group of students that walked around campus.

What things? He wanted to ask.

All around him, he felt the stare of other students, and that made him stagger uncomfortably as he kept his gaze toward his feet.

It felt…it felt as if something had happened overnight. Had Theo lied about the chip? Had he leaked something? Perhaps Aviel had. He looked like a sneaky fucker.

What if suddenly everyone knew that he wasn’t Xander Devers, but Cyprian Creighton, a foster kid from Tulniri, who had come to Helion to find his origins because he had crazy as hell yellow eyes that everyone seemed to hate so much?

Regret burned in his gut.

He should never have come here.

“Xander!” Archer waved at him from the queue. “I’ve been in this queue forever, letting other people pass.” He smiled. “It can get really busy here in the morning.”

Cyprian joined him. “I’m so sorry for all the shit you’ve been through,” he blurted. “I can’t believe they threw you out of your own house. I was afraid to reach out to you yesterday, and when I didn’t see you on campus I—I don’t know, I guess I panicked.”

“Same for me,” Archer admitted. “When you left my apartment with the Luminary, I felt like throwing up. I was so scared for you. Did they hurt you?” He stepped back and gave Cyprian a once-over. “You look…fine?”

“I am fine. They didn’t hurt me.” Not in the way Archer assumed, at least, his wincing ass was the perfect example.

“Where are you staying?” Archer glanced behind them, then took a double-take. “Are those Luminary guards here for you?”

“It’s a long story,” Cyprian sighed. One he didn’t want toshare. Judging by the way Archer’s eyes widened, he wouldn’t let it go though.

The lady behind the counter waved Cyprian off when he wanted to pay. “Your breakfast is on the house.” She gave him a big smile. “And we hope to see you sometime soon.”

“Uhm…”

Archer whistled. “Nice. I should have let you pay for mine too. Come on, let’s go. People are watching.”

Grabbing their full trays, they made their way through the overcrowded breakfast place. There were no more tables free, so they moved to the bars that had been placed against the walls. Large holo screens automatically protruded from the wall, unfolding smoothly as the metallic voice of an announcer spoke through the crowded canteen. No one paid any attention.

“What about you? Where are you staying?” Cyprian asked.

“I’m back in my apartment.” Archer flicked his hand casually. “Imperial Moargan is letting me stay in my home until he decides whether he wants to continue the purchase. The Luminary confirmed that he wasn’t sure yet.”

Relief washed through Cyprian. “That’s great. I was so worried and afraid that I had given you bad luck or something.”

Around them, voices hushed others to quiet down as the metallic voice kept on talking. On-screen, a desk came into view. Behind it stood a golden flag.

“It’s an official announcement. Look.” Archer squeezed Cyprian’s arm. “That golden flag is a symbol of the Imperials.”

“It’s a repeat.” A girl in front of them turned over her shoulder, eyes widening when she saw Cyprian. “But you already know that.” She nudged her friend who turned around as well and they whispered in excitement.

A handsome, middle-aged man with blond hair and purple eyes moved to stand behind the desk. His white cape fluttered over broad shoulders and his mouth was tipped up into a professional smile.

“That’s the Imperial,” Archer hissed next to him.

A younger version of the Imperial appeared on screen and stood next to his father, making some of the students whisper when he smiled right into the camera.

Helianth Zephyranth, second son of the Imperial Milanov Zephyranth.

“This message is for all fellow Helions,” Milanov began. “I’m afraid we come with alarming news. News that concerns us all. At this very moment, our country is bleeding. A vicious murderer preys on our streets, attacking foreign inhabitants who have chosen the beautiful planet of Helion to find happiness. This murderer is not only leaving a scatter of death and pain but also disrespects the reputation of our planet. We, Helions, pride ourselves on being supportive and loving. In sharing and caring with our fellow inhabitants.” The Imperial let out a heavy breath, and it was Helianth who continued their speech.

“Together with the Luminary and the national police, Kylix Zephyranth and I are in charge of tracking down the killer and giving him the punishment he deserves.” His purple eyes blazed through the screen, and Cyprian felt Archer shiver beside him. Cyprian thought of the cat his former roommate had, and he couldn’t help but grin inwardly. So, this was Archer’s secret crush? He hadn’t connected the dots before. That was a dangerous one to have.

“I have been given a full workforce, and together, we will be dedicating all our time to finding the killer. And let me tell you something. We will bring him down!”

---