Page 14 of Blinding Light

“That’s none of your business,” Cyprian snapped before the Imperial could continue. He instantly clamped his mouth shut, his stomach filling with dread.

Moargan cocked his head, taking him in. “You see, that’s where you’re wrong. Everything that happens here is my business.Youare my business.”

Those words hit their target.

“Nothing to say to that? Come on, give me something. Callme curious, but a handsome guy like you, joining our academy? You got any siblings? What’s the weather like in Tulniri? I bet you don’t get a lot of sunshine over there, do you? You’re all pale and…” Moargan smirked when he let those amethyst eyes crawl over Cyprian’s face, taking in every single detail.

When Cyprian still didn’t answer, Moargan leaned in and placed his hands on the table, making the jewelry around his wrist clank, his gaze still intent on Cyprian’s face. “Did you leave a girlfriend back home? A boyfriend?” He hummed softly into the silence, his predatory grin widening. “Do tell me. You left aboyfriend?”

Cyprian felt his heartbeat pick up. He knew the Imperial could feel it, but he couldn’t stop it.

“You felt so needy in my arms,” Moargan whispered. “As if you were famished.”

Cyprian shook his head. His skin felt hot with embarrassment at the memory. At least his roommate had left and didn’t have to hear this.

“I know. You have a lover here on Helion. That’s why you changed planets.”

“No—sir,” Cyprian muttered. More snickers from around them followed.

“Silence!” Moargan barked. He slid closer, skidding those jewelled hands further onto the table. “Then why did you come here?” He whispered.

Cyprian swallowed. His mind was blank, his earlier bravado gone. He’d never been a good talker, and emotions always got the better of him. He was torn between telling the Imperial to back off, telling him why he had left, or simply running away. “I did lots of research, and Helion’s Art Academy has the best reputation.”

Moargan hummed at that, still eyeing him carefully. “It’s expensive to travel off-planet.”

Cyprian shrugged. “I saved up. I’ve known for a long timethat I wanted to come to Helion. Now that I am here, I promise you won’t even notice I’m here.”

“Oh, but you’re too late for that.” Moargan’s lips widened, exposing those sharp canines. “Is that why your heart is pounding so fast, littleaeon? Thump. Thump. You sound…afraid.”

Cyprian clenched his fists under the table. “I’m just a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be talking to an Imperial Prince?”

Moargan’s purple eyes flashed with delight. “Afraidanda bad liar. A golden combination. Yes, I’ll be seeing a lot more of you. I did offer you another game, didn’t I? Maybe I should take it upon myself to show you around campus?”

Cyprian got out of his chair, feeling stiff and anxious. “I don’t play games. And my roommate has already volunteered to give me a tour. If there’s nothing else to discuss, I’d like to continue my day. I can assure you, I’ll stay out of the way.”

“And miss out on the possibility of a repeat of last night?” Moargan’s eyes turned to slits when Cyprian didn’t answer. “Don’t tell me you already forgot what happened?”

“I’d rather not discuss those details again.” The burning desire Moargan’s touch had left was too confusing.

“Don’t give me that.” Moargan snorted and got out of his seat. He was tall and imposing, with well-defined shoulders that led to a tapered waist. “Your body was burning for my touch, your heartbeat begging me for release.”

Ignoring the Imperial’s taunts, Cyprian started collecting his things. Awareness crawled through his chest, making it tighten. Why did his body react that way? He’d never been with anyone before, but still…why did it have to be him of all people?

The Imperial sensed his trepidation. “Maybe I should invite you to participate in the nextAureate. Are you good with your fists, Xander?”

Cyprian froze. “I’m sorry?”

“Your fists?” Moargan pointed at his hands, giving him his brilliant smile. “Or do you prefer knives?”

“I’m afraid I’m not sure what you mean…sir.”

Moargan cocked his head, and a lazy grin curved his lips. "Oh, you don’t? Don't tell me that your research about my planet didn't give you any information on our famous Aureates?"

Cyprian felt his mind fog, and he tightened his hold on the bag. “I—I checked universities, that’s all. I wanted to come here to study. I didn’t mean to—” He paused, not wanting to finish that phrase.

I didn’t mean to get caught in your web.

The Imperial cocked an eyebrow. “And shy as well? This day just can’t get any better.”

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