Page 57 of Burning Ice
Mirel rubbed his thighs. He looked paler than usual, his platinum hair a chaotic shine. “N-nothing.”
They walked up to security. Kylix dismissed the guards’ extensive salute. The guards stood in mirrored lines, armor pale against the dawn light, faces half-hidden behind glass visors that reflected Kylix back at himself.
“This is Mirel Fandi. Soon he will be Mirel Zephyranth. He is an Essential and shall be protected and treated with respect.”
“Certainly, Imperial Kylix,” they murmured.
Kylix took Mirel’s hand and lifted his index finger for the scanner. “I’ll have you a new multi-slate when I pick you up after class.”
They crossed the marble threshold toward the inner gates. Mirel’s steps dragged half a beat behind.
“How long has it been since you were in school?” Kylix asked, tone quiet enough not to carry.
Mirel’s throat worked before he answered. “Ten years.”
“Then this will feel like another planet,” Kylix said. “Stay near me.”
They swept through the campus gates. Security bowed once again. Students turned. The looks stayed too long. Kylix felt his shoulders settle and took in Mirel’s trepidation like honey. They recognized Kylix, feared him, admired him. When he took Mirel’s hand, curiosity turned cautious, respect turned fear.
The air shifted as they passed. Talk fell away. The weight of eyes caught on every step. Kylix felt the attention slide over his skin, sharp as heat, and he let them look. Let them see what belonged to him.
Fuck the press conference, he thought. He wasn’t going to wait that long. No. He’d make it known to everyone here already that this winter boy was his.
“I’ll get Archer to give you an official tour of campus. He’s good at that. Loves to chat and all. Breakfast?”
“Okay.” Mirel’s answer came soft.
The canteen opened around them like the heart of the university, full of heat, chatter, and the sharp scent of coffee. Students fell silent when the Luminary guard entered. Kylix cut through them like heat through fog, Mirel close at his side as whispers followed their path. He could feel every pair of eyes crawl across Mirel’s pale skin. His fingers twitched with the urge to burn the attention away.
Cameras were banned, but the heads turning felt like lenses.
A holo banner flickered to static, headlines ghosting past:
Unrest in lower wards, missing medic as prisoner breaks free.
He felt Mirel tense at the word prisoner. His hand brushed Mirel’s wrist, a brief warning and a comfort both.
Stay quiet. Stay near.
Aviel arrived like the room had been waiting for him. A flash of motion caught Kylix’s eye as Aviel appeared beside him without warning, grin crooked, voice low. “Fucking media are around the event like dogs sniffing a bone,” he said.
Kylix’s arm around Mirel’s waist tightened as he steered him toward their table. “I’ll check it when I get to headquarters,” he said as they crossed the canteen threshold to where the others were sitting.
Aviel’s grin was all teeth. “I’m sure you will. And leave this poor baby all alone? Some of us will enjoy that.”
Kylix’s arm stayed firm around Mirel’s waist. “Watch what you enjoy.”
Aviel chuckled, low and sharp. “Always do. And like you, I tend to be protective.”
The words carried heat rather than humor. For a beat, the canteen’s chatter faded and the air between them drew tight. Mirel’s breath stuttered, caught between them. Kylix smiled, but his eyes warned fire. Aviel’s grin didn’t fade. It widened.
Theo walked through the far doors in his own gray uniform, flanked by Aviel’s guards. He lifted a hand toward Cyprian, who returned the gesture with a faint smile and murmured, “Poor guy.”
“Morning, heroes,” Moargan called. He sat sprawled, boots up, a grin cutting through the steam of his cup. “How’s life after murder?”
“Moargan.” Cyprian tapped the Imperial Prince’s hand before turning to Mirel. “Good morning, brother. You were phenomenal last night. I’m happy you’re here.”
“Thank you,” Mirel said thinly.
