Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 121854 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 609(@200wpm)___ 487(@250wpm)___ 406(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121854 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 609(@200wpm)___ 487(@250wpm)___ 406(@300wpm)
Throwing back his head, Illium laughed, and when he met his mother’s eyes again, she was smiling with every part of her. “How’s my other boy?” she asked as Smoke called out to tell him she was back, then wandered outside to pounce on imaginary prey. “He came home too thin and exhausted, too.”
“He’s doing so well, Mother,” he said, knowing she’d understand that he wasn’t only talking about Aodhan’s physical status. “He sends his love.”
Sharine’s smile softened into tenderness. “I’m glad you’re together again. I never worry when you’re with Aodhan or Aodhan is with you.”
Illium’s chest expanded, contracted. “Mother…I think we’re changing,” he whispered. “Becoming more to one another.”
A tilt of Sharine’s head, an even gentler smile. “Ah, my baby boy,” she said, slipping unknowingly into maternal affection as Illium got off the railing to pace the balcony. “Life is complicated, is it not?”
Illium slumped back against the nearest wall. “Yes. I’m terrified.”
Her nod was careful, considered. “Change is terrifying,” she acknowledged. “But remember this, son of mine, your friendship with Aodhan is no glass bauble that will break if you mishandle it. It is a thing of steel and granite. Perhaps it will end up with a few dents or scratches if you make a mistake, but it will endure.”
He swallowed hard, wanting desperately to believe her. Because the idea of damaging the most important relationship in his life was a visceral fear that nipped at his heels when he was alone and his thoughts had too much room to roam. But the alternative? Not even worth thinking about.
“I’m tough,” he said, determined not to falter because he was scared. “I’m the son of Lady Sharine, who has tamed the great Titus himself and now has her own pride of lions that she rides every sunset!”
Sharine’s laughter at his repetition of that preposterous rumor was a waterfall of sound. “You are an awful child,” she said, her cheeks creased. “But we love you so. Especially Titus, who has told me that if we were ever to be blessed with a child, he would hope for just such a son.”
She touched her fingers to the screen as she had a way of doing when she spoke to him and to Aodhan. “You are strong.” A mistiness in her gaze. “You persevered through my shattered years—”
“M—”
“Hush now, Illium, let me speak.” A firm tone. “You stood beside me with a strength and a compassion that couldn’t have been expected in one so young. That kind of heart? It is a tremendous gift.”
A wisdom to her that was a thing of age so profound that he had no idea when she’d been born, she added, “You were my light in the darkness. If you’re afraid, Illium, it’s only because your heart is so huge. Never ever forget its power.”
She touched the screen again. “Spread your wings, my cherished boy. You no longer have to watch over me, watch over anyone. This time is yours. Fly to your happiness. Claim the love of the one person who has ever been your heart’s mirror.”
9
Dmitri was waiting for Aodhan on the balcony outside the second’s office. He was dressed in a black suit with a dark gray shirt open at the collar, his black hair neatly combed, his shoes polished to a shine.
“Formal,” Aodhan commented.
“Attending an event with Honor. New intake at the Guild—she’s one of the speakers.” Pride glowed in the darkness of his eyes. “How’s our Bluebell? Still asleep?”
Aodhan’s entire body warmed at the memory of Illium sleep-tousled and drowsy. “No. He’s planning to join us after he talks to Lady Sharine.”
“I thought so—he might’ve earned a rest, but he’s not one to sit still.” The vampire who was over a millennium in age and one of the most powerful people in the immortal world gave Aodhan an update on two other situations Aodhan had helped handle, before nudging his head at the entrance to his office.
Once inside, Dmitri went to his desk and turned the screen of his computer so Aodhan could see it. “This incident’s just shot to the top of the list after a fire investigator finally had time to go through what little evidence is available.”
Aodhan nodded, aware that the backlog was significant even with everyone working as hard as they could. Priority had been given to clear cases of murder or attempted murder, other violent crimes.
“The evidence we have,” Dmitri said, “is mostly images from the security cameras around the site, as well as photos taken in the aftermath by the mother of one of the victims once she returned to the city after the war.”
Wings of wild blue on the balcony, visible through the floor-to-ceiling window at Dmitri’s back. “Illium’s just arrived.” Aodhan fought to keep his expression neutral as the other man entered the office, all wicked grin and wind-tumbled hair.