Page 132 of Burning Ice
Beyond the mansion walls, the echo of victory spread through Helion.
From the distant streets came the faint roar of the crowd as the holo-screens displayed the execution in real time.
In the arena, thousands watched the same moment mirrored in light.
The image of Mirel standing beside Kylix shimmered across the city before the feed cut to the Imperial seal.
Milanov turned toward the guests and the hovering cameras.
“People of Helion,” he declared, voice carrying clear,
“tonight you have witnessed the binding of fire and frost, a union that strengthens our world.
Let it be known that Helion stands proud and unbroken. The Zephyranth line endures.”
He lowered his glass. “To peace, to order, and to the light that keeps us.”
The cameras folded back into the air and vanished.
Music resumed, soft and refined. Laughter followed. Warmth returned to the grounds, the shock of the spectacle already softening into admiration and gossip.
Moargan was the first to move, raising his drink.
“Well,” he said, smiling toward his cousin, “that was dramatic, even for you.”
Daven gave a low whistle. “You call that dramatic? I call that terrifying.”
Helianth laughed, sliding between them. “Terrifying can be beautiful. Depends which side of the flame you’re on.”
Aviel lingered at the edge of the group, glass in hand, his tone dry.
“If either of you sets the table on fire again, I’m not cooking for a month.”
Cyprian slipped through the small circle, his gold-lined eyes still bright from the lights.
He reached Mirel first, drawing him into a quick, fierce embrace.
“You did it,” he said simply. “I’m proud of you.”
Mirel’s breath caught against his shoulder. “Thank you.”
Kylix set a hand on his back, grounding him.
The three of them stood together for a heartbeat before Moargan’s voice cut in again.
“Now that we’ve all survived the show, someone pour the wine before Father makes another speech.”
Helianth grinned, already reaching for a bottle. “To surviving, then.”
Glasses clinked. Around them, the guests returned to laughter, the scent of lilies and smoke drifting through the winter air.
Kylix looked at Mirel, his bonded and his equal, and saw strength where others saw mercy.
This was what balance looked like, calm that could break the world and still hold it together.
From across the terrace, Aviel caught his eye.
For a moment the air shimmered between them, a pulse of heat only the two of them could feel.
