Page 56 of Blinding Light

“I understand.” Cyprian looked completely lost. “And are there…do you know where my biological parents live?” He accepted the glass Moargan handed him. He took a drink, then another one, until he had polished it entirely.

The question was once more left unanswered, this time interrupted by a short knock on the door. Two guards came walking in, carrying palm imprinting equipment.

Moargan’s heart sped up, blood pumping south. He’d seen the device many times before, the proof of their superiority showcased in his father’s office. Never had he imagined he’d get to use it one day.

Milanov stood up. “I’m grateful for this moment. I’m grateful for you Cyprian. Now, let’s get to the better part of tonight’s meeting.” Helianth followed him, taking over the tools before his father approached him and Cyprian.

“I never thought I’d see this day,” his younger brother grinned. “Moargan the bad boy.” He looked at Cyprian and his smile widened. “Good luck living with this one.” He held out the material in front of their hands.

“The claiming,” Milanov murmured. “Though we will have an official ceremony later, tonight will be a formality for our family. Good luck, Cyprian.”

“A ceremony?” Cyprian’s voice trembled, and Moargan inhaled the invisible scent of fear.

“This won’t hurt. I’m going to tie our wrists. Put up yourpalm like this.” Moargan pressed them together, using the lace to wrap their joints together. “That’s it. Now, just hold it right there.”

Cyprian gawked as the lace started to curl around their wrists on its own accord. “What the—” He tried to yank his hand back when the material kept on rolling over their wrists, tighter and tighter.

Moargan clicked his tongue. “Don’t move your hand. Your palm needs to be engraved,aeon. With mine.”

“I—I don’t want that,” Cyprian stammered, but he kept his palm tight against his.

“Yes, you do. Ready?” Their hands started warming.

“No.” Cyprian’s yellow gaze burned in him unsteadily.

“It will be over soon. I’ve given you something to soothe the pain.”

“You d-drugged me? Again?”

Someone snickered.

Moargan sighed. “You still haven’t learned much of Helion customs, have you, lover? We use a little opium for every happy moment of the day.” The machine made a buzzing sound and Moargan watched as Cyprian’s gaze became glassy.

His family was celebrating. Someone handed him a glass of wine, and Moargen drank the entire glass, eyes fixed on Cyprian, before slamming it to the wall, where it broke into a thousand pieces. He smiled wickedly. “You alright there, littleaeon?”

“Y-yes.” Cyprian’s long, dark lashes fluttered and his lips parted, mouth going slack.

“We’re nearly there.” A few minutes later, the material started to cool down.

“Done.” Helianth carefully removed the machine and the lace that was strung around their wrists. “Cyprian may feel a little wobbly. You might want to carry him to the car.”

He had no problem with that. Grabbing hold of Cyprian’sleather-clad ass, he lifted him, their chests flush together. “Alright, people. Enjoy the party without us. We will continue our own private version back home.”

Cyprian blinked absentmindedly but didn’t speak, mind foggy from the opium.

“Come on, lover. We’re going home.”

Barely half an hour later, Moargan dragged a sleeping Cyprian back to their bedroom. He laid him down on his back, removing his clothes piece by piece. His littleaeonreally looked nice in leather. He’d make him wear a similar outfit for when they head out to the arena for Helianth’s Aureate.

Tomorrow his Royal Consort’s skin wouldn’t feel so raw anymore. Rest was the best thing to do for now, and he gingerly pulled the satin sheets over his sleeping frame.

HisCyprian.

Because his mysterious Dariux belonged to him, and to him only.

Brushing Cyprian’s raven hair to the side, Moargan dropped a fingertip on the pale skin of his forehead, admiring the black eyebrows and thick, curvy lashes. They fluttered vividly. Cyprian must be having a dream.

“You’d better dream of me, beautiful,” Moargan whispered against Cyprian’s smooth temple. “And of all the bad things I’ll do to you tomorrow.”

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