that was it. The Circle definitely weren’t the most sensitive Ankh. Cyrus was different, as was Noah’s own parents. Noah’s dad said Cyrus changed centuries ago when he met Merrit. She softened him, made him remember how to be human again.
They’d loved one another for almost an entire millennium. It was rare for Ankh to find an immortal beloved as Noah’s parents had and he couldn’t even comprehend how devastating it was for Cyrus to lose Merrit. That’s why he understood Cyrus’ tight hold on what was left of her.
Eden.
He understood that all too well. Eden had a way of crawling inside; even demolishing the defences of a young Ankh who swore he had no time for friends or a relationship other than the one he had with his parents.
Noah dropped his head, drawing in a deep breath, hating the sense of emptiness he felt from behind him on the queen-sized bed.
“I think I would know if this will work or not, Noah Valois,” Valeria snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. “I was Unforeseen. I did die. I did come back Ankh. Trust me. And if not me, then your Princeps.”
“The process is a rebirth, Noah,” Cyrus tried to explain. “She has to die in order to kill the soul eater inside. The Neith blood keeps the Ankh on the precipice between life and death, until it works its way into her entire system, and finally into her heart. She will be in a lot of pain when her heart starts again. We must watch over her vigilantly until she awakens.” At that precise moment Noah’s cell buzzed in his pocket. Sighing, he reached in and flipped it open.
You haven’t called. Did you get there safely? Call me immediately. Mom x If he called his mother she’d have him on the phone for ages and he didn’t have the time right now. His fingers flew over the buttons.
We got here safely. Can’t talk right now. Eden needs me. N
After pressing send he shut the cell off. His parents would have to wait. They were the most important people in his life… but Eden had joined those ranks. And right now, even if she didn’t want him there, he was putting her first.
Noah dragged October’s computer chair over to the bedside and pressed his fingers to Eden’s cold, dead hand. A shudder of fear ran through him and he refused to look up at his superiors in case they saw the emotion the Ankh tried desperately to hide from one another.
“Noah, I will sit with her,” Valeria said, taking a few steps towards him.
He shook his head. “No, it’s fine.”
“I am not asking-” she was cut off as Cyrus wrapped a hand around her upper arm, drawing her back.
“Leave him,” he instructed softly.
Chancing discovery, Noah met his Princeps eyes.
Cyrus knew.
A deep sigh opened up inside him and he felt his cheeks flush even though he knew they remained the exact same colour on the outside. There may be no visible sign of embarrassment on his face but he was embarrassed. He felt like an eighteen year old boy who’d just been caught declaring mushy love to a girl in front of his hero, the coolest guy at school.
Cyrus didn’t look disapproving, however. He was calm. Understanding. He drew Valeria away and out of the room, closing the door softly behind them, leaving Noah and Eden alone.
Noah’s eyes wandered over her face. He cursed under his breath. He couldn’t wait for the change to happen. Seeing her like this…
That pang sliced through his chest again.
It occurred to him as he sat there watching and waiting for signs of life, that Cyrus had left Noah alone with the one thing the Princeps held most precious. And he knew how Noah felt about her.
He gave a huff of morbid laughter and sat back.
Cyrus of Persepolis liked and respected him.
If only he could get his adopted daughter to do the same once she was reborn.
Chapter Five
New Eyes
The pain was excruciating, as if someone had cut into her chest, ripped her rib cage open, and was having difficulty tearing her heart out. Her entire body was lit with the agony, each nerve ending burning and lighting her very flesh with the flame. Sounds - inhuman, animal sounds - echoed all around her, and she begged, begged for it to stop. And then she realised… the sounds were coming from her. Hollowed shrieking. An outlet for the unbearable hurt that had taken her body captive.
Eventually the