Page 137 of Burning Ice
Aviel’s grin widened as glasses clinked and the fire crackled. Warm air held a low curl of char.
Helianth only looked smug, sipping his drink like confirmation.
Aviel leaned in, eyes glinting. “So? How was he?”
“Better company than you,” Helianth said lazily. Laughter broke again.
Cyprian grinned, but the noise softened when he asked, “And Ryneth? How’s he doing?”
Daven set down his glass. “Still very weak, but he spoke to me.”
Helianth tilted his head, innocent. “Oh? What did he tell you?”
“That he thinks you’re hot?”
Daven groaned but couldn’t hide the faint smile. “If that’s true, it’s only proof the man’s still delirious.”
Aviel squinted. “Wait… Ryneth? I thought he was still in the hospital.”
Daven’s grin turned sly. “He is. Technically. Right here in the Green Mansion.”
The room went still for a heartbeat before noise broke again, half disbelief and half shock.
“You’re kidding,” Moargan said, shaking his head.
“Not this time. He’s heavily guarded downstairs.”
Before anyone could respond, the door opened.
Zimeon stepped in, snow on his coat. “Congratulations on your public ceremony, Kylix. Mirel. The Aureate held.”
He nodded toward them both, warmth in his voice before his gaze shifted to Milanov. “And yes, before you ask, the rumors are true. Ryneth’s here in the Green Mansion, under my private care until he’s stronger.”
Helianth chuckled. “And you actually let Daven in to see him?”
A ripple of amusement, then Zimeon lifted a hand, his tone turning serious.
“I’ve also come to let you know about the prisoners.”
The easy air dimmed. “Some of them have started talking. The stories don’t align, but the unease does. They claim Attica wasn’t the one pulling the strings. There’s something larger, another organization moving behind them.”
He looked to Kylix. “Have you found anything on Bekn’s whereabouts?”
Kylix’s mouth curved. He turned to Mirel. “Not yet. But I’ve got a very loyal new employee who’s been digging through the case.”
Mirel met his eyes, quiet but alert, a faint prickle of unease threading through the bond. Something in the air had shifted, the hum below their feet changing tone.
“We’ll find him.”
Tension eased, replaced by faint smiles as the conversation drifted back to lighter notes.
A nurse appeared in the doorway and gave Zimeon a nod.
Zimeon turned to Milanov, rubbing his hands together. “It’s time.”
For a moment, it looked like Milanov would object. He sighed. “Of course.”
They followed him through the large home to the back, to where a row of hover cars waited. Mirel and Cyprian both hurried to their mother. Celia clapped her hands, giggling when they both hugged her at the same time.
