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He sighed, but nodded, taking his position once more.
The sun had shifted, and a cloud of dust kicked up in the distance signaling the arrival of another before my eyes settled on the massive figure of Tykas. He approached, his shoulders hunched, though he seemed happier, less hunted than before.
Xadrian stiffened, his jaw set. “Tykas,” he greeted tersely.
Tykas, missing the coldness in Xadrian’s voice, responded with genuine warmth. “Xadrian! It’s good to see you. Seems I’m not the only one who sees merit in Theron’s cause.”
A shadow passed over his face. “I’m not here for Theron. I’m here for the rebellion.”
A perplexed frown creased Tykas’ brow. “What’s the difference?”
“I don’t care if Theron takes the throne. I’m trying to help people,” Xadrian replied sharply, his eyes hard.
“Isn’t that what he’s doing, too?” Tykas asked, looking at me for confirmation.
I nodded.“Yes.”
Shaking off the unease, Tykas’ gaze fell upon the gleaming golden boulder behind us. His eyes widened. “Atar’s hammer, did you do this, Darkstar?”
“No,” he grunted and jerked his chin at me.
I grinned, half-proud, half-embarrassed. “Just practicing.”
Tykas let out a low whistle. “Impressive.” He looked around as if casting about for something else to talk about before asking, “Are you going to change it back before leaving?”
I shook my head, a touch of defiance in my voice. “No. The Kyrie have earned every ounce of that gold and then some.”
He held up his hands. “I didn’t mean any offense. Just... making conversation.”
I noticed the look in his eyes—vulnerable, searching—a young man grappling with the weight of betrayal and struggling to find a new path. He reminded me of a stray animal, desperate for a place to belong. I softened, compassion swelling in my chest.
“If you’re looking for something to do, I could introduce you to my brother, Gavril. He could use someone like you by his side.”
He grinned. “That would be great.”
“He’s an Inferi Remnant. Is that going to be a problem?”
Tykas looked at me with confusion. “Why would that be a problem?”
I smiled, relieved that I’d judged his character correctly. “Good point. Come on, we can find him together.”
I turned to Xadrian. “Thanks for the training. I’m heading back now.”
“I’ll go with you.” He answered, picking up our canteens before I had a chance to grab mine. I narrowed my eyes, but he didn’t notice as I gestured for Tykas to walk beside me.
The vast dunes of the desert stretched endlessly, the black sands merging with the darkening horizon. Xadrian, Tykas, and I made our way back towards the palace, the weight of the sun pressing against our backs. Tykas’ presence was a welcome buffer between Xadrian and myself, though I still wasn’t sure why he’d sought me out. Was it because Theron had named me his queen? It made sense that he’d seek authority figures given his upbringing... Regardless; I was glad he’d come. I’d told him I wasn’t interested, but Xadrian’s continued advances, however subtle they may be, showed me he still believed I may change my mind.
Never.
My thoughts went back to the evening before. After our frantic coupling in the abandoned building, we’d returned home and spent most of the night loving each other, whispering soft words as we came together. A pulse traveled between my legs and I clenched, ignoring my arousal, not wanting either of the men beside me to notice.
Tykas broke the silence, his voice filled with awe. “It’s been nice exploring the city. I didn’t get to see much last time I was here. I spent most of my free time in the library.”
“Do you enjoy reading?”
He blushed and shook his head. “No, not really,” he blurted.
“Then why were you there?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
