Page 99 of Burning Ice
They stared at each other. Mirel noticed how Milanov’s amethyst eyes swirled around the pupils. He wondered what the Imperial was truly capable of.
“She might find you sooner than you think.” A heavy hand landed on Mirel’s shoulder. “Go now, Mirel. I will see you soon.”
Mirel walked out. The air followed him, thick with whispers. His heart thrashed in his chest, though he didn’t know why. It just was. Charged.
He glanced back before the glass doors closed, catching a final glimpse of Milanov at Norma’s side, his hand wrapped around hers. The sight broke his heart.
His multi-slate pinged.
Kylix: where are you? I’m outside the hospital.
Mirel typed back immediately, relief flooding him.
Outside the room, Aviel stood over Theo, the sound of wet kisses filling the silence. Neither looked up as Mirel passed.
“Mirel.” Not Kylix, but Cyprian waited near the end of the corridor. “I thought you went to the toilets?”
“I did.” Mirel chuckled, the sound rough.
“I see. Let’s go. Our men are waiting outside, and they’re impatient.” Cyprian smiled, hooking his arm through Mirel’s.
Perhaps it was for the better. Mirel felt dizzy by the time they reached the exit. Outside, he inhaled greedily.
Two hover cars waited by the steps. Before getting in, Mirel glanced back toward the hospital windows. He could have sworn Milanov still stood there.
Cold air pressed around them, sharp with the smell of rain and metal. Cyprian lingered beside the car, his breath misting faintly in the light. He rubbed his hands together and gave Mirel a long look.
“You all right?”
Mirel nodded. “Yes.”
Cyprian studied him for a moment, then smiled. “I’m glad you got to see her today.” His voice dropped, more to himself than to Mirel.
Mirel’s chest tightened. “She’s… beautiful,” he said quietly.
“She is.” Cyprian’s eyes glinted. “And she saw you, you know. I could tell. The way the air changed when you walked in. I’ve never seen that happen before.” He exhaled, the breath catching between laughter and disbelief. “I’m so happy you met her, Mirel. I think she was waiting for you.”
Mirel didn’t trust his voice, so he only nodded. He could still feel the chill of the Imperial Wing in his veins, the way the air had moved when their mother had been near. There was weight in it. Recognition.
“You look pale,” Cyprian said. “You should rest when you get home. Tell Kylix to make you eat something.”
“He’ll try,” Mirel murmured, the corner of his mouth lifting.
Cyprian’s expression warmed. “Good. And when this storm settles, we’ll go back together. Properly. Maybe bring flowers. She’d like that.”
Mirel blinked. The thought of returning didn’t scare him. It felt right, even if he couldn’t say why. “I’d like that,” he said.
“Of course.” Cyprian pulled him into a quick hug. “You’re family. Don’t forget that.”
Mirel nodded against his shoulder. The moment was brief, but it steadied him. When Cyprian let go, he looked lighter, as if the act of saying it had taken something off his chest.
Mirel watched him climb into the second hover car. The door closed, the vehicle rising smooth into the air. He stayed where he was for a breath, looking up at the hospital window one last time. It was empty now.
The other car door opened behind him. Kylix sat inside, waiting, hands resting on his knees, eyes steady.
Mirel climbed in. The door sealed. The city’s noise fell away.
Rain tapped the window, soft and steady. The sound filled the silence.
