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“We won’t let them go free on Helion,” Milanov continued. “Of course we won’t. But we need to break the spell that is two enemies working together on Helion territory. Right now, Attica is killing our people with their drugs. And that, in its own turn, is killing our reputation.”

“What does Concordant propose?” Ryneth’s voice trembled at the sound of his nightmare.

“More of the intel they already gave us. The chip proved to be highly valuable. They also have Attica’s location.” Milanov brushed a hand through Kylix’s black hair, then caressed Daven’s cheek lovingly. “We will soon too.”

Ryneth nodded. He understood the Imperial’s position, even if it made his entire body tense with fear.

“Once we have taken down Attica, and we have managed to restore the reputation of the Imperial family, we can regroup. Then we attack Concordant. If they’re still on Helion soil, that is.”

“On Düren, they took our people. At least that’s what people said.”

“I know. But the problem is that I can’t fight for justice on land that is not mine. I can only assure that we live in prosperity on Helion. If Concordant is still on Helion when we have taken Attica down, if they cross our lines, even just an inch, we will strike them down.” Milanov’s hand ghosted in front of Ryneth’s face, long fingers wiping away the hot tears that rolled down his cheek. “The same goes for this so-called buyer of yours. You’re one of us, Ryneth. And we protect our family. Okay?”

Ryneth shivered. He nodded and forced a smile. “Yes, sir.”

Milanov chuckled. “Please, you’re making me feel very old.” Before Ryneth could object, the Imperial nodded toward the two men. “Ready?”

Ryneth dragged in a breath and held on to the shape of Daven beside him. If he stood there one second longer, the fear would swallow him whole. He needed movement. He needed Daven moving with him. He needed something that felt like theirs. “Yeah.”

With a snap of his fingers, the world came back to them. The sound of helicopters filled the air, and around them, people resumed gathering and leaving in formation.

“As I said…” Kylix frowned. His mouth clamped shut, only to open a little, in surprise this time. “I don’t remember.”

“It doesn’t matter.” In an unexpected wave of boldness, Ryneth winked at the Imperial as he grabbed Daven by the shoulders. “Come on, baby. Let’s go home.”

“Wait, I—did you just call me baby?” Daven hesitated just long enough for Ryneth to pull him away from his cousin and toward the waiting hover car.

“Trust me this once.”

“I trust you always.”

“That’s a good boy.”

Daven’s eyes widened and he let himself be pushed inside the car. “What’s gotten into you? I think I like it.”

Ryneth snorted. “Yeah, well, don’t expect much of it.”

But that wasn’t true. He liked it too.

“Why do I get the feeling you’re making fun of me?” Daven complained as they settled into the car for the ride home.

Ryneth just smiled out the window.

Daven grabbed his thigh and squeezed. “My head still feels weird, you know? Like—” He chuckled to himself, but the sound came out tight. “Anyway, let’s grab some fries. The answer to everything.”

Yes, it is, Ryneth thought with a smirk. “Good idea.”

They grabbed take-away and headed back to the penthouse.

Neither of them said much on the ride up, and by the time the city dropped away beneath them, the edge of the hospital grounds still clung to Ryneth like cold metal.

“Go and get comfortable outside, baby. I’ll meet you right there.”

While Daven grabbed drinks and plates, Ryneth pulled out two chairs.

It was getting dark as they sat outside and had their dinner in silence, gazing at the stars.

Now that the amusement with Daven had faded, Ryneth’s thoughts spiraled back to what they’d discovered.