Storne’s laugh came rough, almost disbelieving.
“The man bears the weight of the world, Amerei. Yet he lays it all down—just to marry you.”
His thumb brushed her cheek.
“Do you know what he learned today?”
Her eyes flicked open.
“The Midnight,” Storne said, glancing up as if searching for footing. “The blind boy apprenticed under Saecily?”
“Yes?”
“They’re brothers, Amerei.”
He exhaled hard, as if the truth itself pressed on him.
“Eiliyah Aradostylan is Viktor’s mother.”
“What?”
She dropped her arms, sitting back just enough to catch her breath.
His mother. His brother. The Midnight. Stars, I must—
“I have to go to him.”
She wiped her tears and pushed to rise.
“I have to be with Viktor.”
“Hold on.”
Storne guided her gently back into the chair.
“He’s busy—writing wedding vows.”
“He is?”
“Yes.”
Storne’s mouth tugged into a smile, dry as flint.
“And I will say it again—you should be dressing.”
Amerei bit her lip, fighting tears.
“I wish Jasmine and the other girls were here. I only have Sylvie to help me.”
Storne’s mouth quirked.
“We’ll have a proper wedding for you in time. Until then, you’ll have to settle for old Sylvie fussing at you.”
He wrapped one arm around her.
“…and your Líri.”
“Líri is coming?”
