Page 89 of Blinding Light

Cyprian hummed in appreciation. “It must be nice to have such a big family.”

“Big? Ask Yure about a big family. His mother had like eight brothers and sisters.”

“Had?”

“Yeah. His parents died a few years ago.”

They entered the office. Zimeon was already there, together with Vandor and two more older Luminary who stood by the window. His father was seated on one of the massive, leather couches by the fire, talking to someone through his multi-slate.

As they sat down, Moargan could feel Cyprian’s heartbeat pick up. His lover was nervous, though he needn’t be. Still, Moargan wasn’t complaining. Despite the magnificent orgasm Cyprian had just given him, he was always ready for the next round. The way his lover had talked to him? The way he had sprawled out on his thighs, claiming his seat, riding Moargan like a pornstar? He repositioned himself on the couch.

“Son. It’s good to see you.”

“Father.”

They stood, embracing each other.

“And you, Cyprian.” Milanov smiled warmly. “I wanted to see how you were doing after your last visit.”

Next to him, Cyprian’s heart sped up like crazy. Hisaeonwas nervous. Scared even, despite Moargan’s earlier words. Perhaps he couldn’t blame him, considering the disastrous meeting he’d had with his own father. Needing to break the ice, he searched around. “Is Helianth not coming? He missed training this morning as well.”

A glimmer of guilt shone through his father’s eyes, gone in the next blink. “Your brother’s away for a few days,” he finally said.

“Oh? No one told me. Where’s he off to? Is he okay?”

“He’s fine, son.”

“So…where is he?” Moargan asked, when it was clear that his father wasn’t going to say anything else. “We’re in the middle of the school year.”

“The Luminary made a formal request to send Helianth away on a secret mission?—”

“You mean Kylix did,” Moargan deadpanned. He leaned forward; attention perked. “Let me guess. This is about the killer.”

When his father nodded, Moargan sighed and dropped his gaze, staring at the ground. “For fuck’s sake. Are you sending him out to get hurt himself?”

“He’s only gone for a few days, son. He’s a grown man who will devote his life to the Luminary once he has graduated. Let it go.”

Moargan’s mind spun at the thought of his little brother being out there. “Kylix is with him?”

“Yes. So are at least five other uniforms, so leave it. He’ll beback before you know it. Now. I tried to call you. Why is it that you’re so difficult to reach?”

“Whywhy?” Moargan bristled, looking up. “I may have switched off for a night, but that’s all.”

His father hummed, gaze shifting to Cyprian. “If you say so. Were you already in a bad mood before you came here, or am I the source of your indignation?”

Moargan exhaled through his nose. “I’m sorry, Father.” It was Helianth. His brother’s absence somehow rattled Moargan.

“Apology accepted. Tell me about your trip north, Cyprian.”

Moargan felt Cyprian stiffen. “I-I went to meet with my father.”

Milanov nodded. Then he took another drink, visibly not waiting for an answer to the question he didn’t ask.

He didn’t have to.

“It wasn’t a success, sir. He didn’t remember me. Didn’t—want me. Not back then, not now.”

“I’m sorry to hear that Cyprian. That must have been hard.”

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