“I know you’ve got a lot going on there, and I honestly love this surprise, but don’t miss work because of me.”
“It’s fine, Nyx. I wanted to spend time with you.”
We sat there for a moment, enjoying the food in silence. It was different this time. It was an easy silence that felt like it used to with us. There was no hidden tension in the distance between us. It was like Sebastian had realised and made that effort to help fix it.
The silence was broken by Sebastian’s phone ringing. He pulled it out of his pocket and let out a heavy breath as he looked at the screen.
“You can get that.”
He clicked the side, declining the call, and then turned his phone off and placed it back in his pocket.
He took hold of my hands and gazed into my eyes. “You’re more important.”
24
Sebastian
Soran placed the Kurdish chai down on the table for Hayden and me, then sat down with us.
“You know what time of year it is, don’t you?” he said, sipping his tea.
We knew. Every year since we became friends, we’d joined him in the celebration. He said we were family, and families celebrated together. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Newroz.”
The Kurdish New Year. We’d all end up in Finsbury Park, where they had a mass party—it was everything from food, singing, dancing, and all things Kurdish. Soran was proud of where he came from and always helped by donating to keep it alive.
“Now, Berevan has made your clothes and dresses for Serfina and Aria.”
I shifted in my chair. “I … don’t think Aria and I will be going this year.”
“Why not? We go every year,” Hayden said.
“Sebastian, it’s tradition amongst us. I won’t have you miss it. Berevan wants to meet her, and you know you can’t disappoint her,” Soran added.
Berevan was Soran’s wife. They’d been married for six years now but had known each other since childhood. She had so much kindness in her, considering what she’d had to endure in her life.
Six years ago, Soran asked us to go over to Kurdistan to smuggle Berevan out of the country, due to her activism in supporting women’s rights. The Iraqi government had deemed her a threat and had her detained.
They’d never forget what Hayden and I had done for them to be together, which was a reason we were so close. A reason we’d always be brothers.
“She doesn’t know.” I scrubbed my fingers over my stubble, a knot forming in my stomach.
“Sebastian, no one will mention it. That’s your demon to tell.”
“Fine, I’ll bring her.”
I let out a heavy sigh, knowing full well there was no point trying to talk to them about it because Soran wouldn’t take no for an answer. I wasn’t going to, but he didn’t need to know that. I’d make an excuse closer to the time. People got sick. It was plausible. There was no way I was going to let these worlds mix. She needed to stay away from this.
Soran smiled, clapping his hands together. “We will have a big feast to celebrate.”
Before anyone could say anything else, Valon slammed the door open, dragging a man who’d been tied up along the floor, and threw him into the middle of the room. We all stood, looking at him.
Valon’s breath heaved, rage filling his eyes.
“Some piece of shit took my shipment,” he roared, kicking the man in his stomach.
The man winced, trying to grab at his stomach, the silver duct tape turning his sounds muffled.
