Nightfall: Book Two of the Chronicles of Arden by Shiriluna Nott, SaJa H Page A

long enough for a seed to be planted in his soul. Observing Cenric work magic—the magic of words—had a profound impact on Joel. He’d watched in amazement as his mentor bridged the gap between differing cultures and political viewpoints, creating harmonious treaties that would benefit not only one country, but all. With no threats given or shouts exchanged, wielding only words and compassion, Cenric accomplished more in six moonturns than the High Council of Arden had accomplished in the past six years.
    The idea of changing the world through peaceful negotiation struck a deep chord in Joel’s heart, and he found himself dreaming of a time when he could do the same. He wanted to do what Cenric did. Joel wanted to not only see the world, but enlighten it. Perhaps he would even have opportunities to make peace with Shiraz. The High Council seemed to think war was the only solution, but what if it didn’t have to come to that? What if peace were possible?
    The truth was that his experience in Shantar had left Joel yearning for more. The well-trodden path he’d been walking had seemed so clear before he’d left on his internship. He would graduate and take a job at the palace, perhaps as a portal guardian or mage trainer. He’d live out his years in Silver City, and yes, his contributions to Arden would be valuable—but what if he could do more?
    Joel’s eyes popped open at the sound of a throat being cleared. Joel’s gaze came to rest on his companion, standing in the doorway, and a smile passed over Joel’s face as all thoughts of travel were cast aside.
    “A message arrived just a moment ago,” Gib said, lingering beneath the wooden frame that separated the bathing area from the bedchamber. The young man had changed out of his understudy uniform and now wore a simple white tunic and leather breeches.
    Joel sat up a little straighter in the tub, regarding the other man from beneath heavy lashes. “Oh?”
    “Hasain has invited us to the Rose Bouquet tonight. Everyone will be there, and they’ll want to see you. But we can stay in if you’d like. I know you must be tired—”
    “No, no,” Joel replied. “I’d love to see everyone. Let’s go.”
    “You’re sure?”
    “I’m sure.” Joel reached for his companion, a silent invitation.
    Gib crossed the room and knelt beside the tub, taking Joel’s hand into his own. Joel caressed the backside of Gib’s hand for a moment before lifting a free palm to the young man’s face. Joel’s chest tightened. “I’ve missed you so much.”
    Gib leaned into the touch as Joel began to run fingers through the brown curls crowning Gib’s head. “I’ve missed you more than words can tell.”
    Joel made some kind of undignified noise as droplets welled in the corner of each of his eyes.
    Gib wiped away each tear with tender care. “I love you.”
    Silence descended upon the pair as Gib leaned closer, stroking Joel’s damp hair and cradling the base of his skull with calloused fingers. The understudy’s large, brown eyes scanned Joel’s—searching, pondering, seeking an answer to some question far too profound to ask—and then Gib drew their faces together until no space remained between them and their mouths were touching.
    Joel trembled when their lips met, the kiss timid and soft after so many moonturns apart. It felt new again, as innocent and pure as the first time. Joel moved slowly, reacquainting himself with every dip and curve of the other man’s mouth, and Gib seemed more than content to allow it.
    And then, after several more moments, Gib pressed deeper still, and Joel’s head swam with fuzzy euphoria as the kiss became less tame and more driven by desire. He latched onto his companion, swearing silently never to let go again. How could Joel ever say goodbye a second time? How could he forsake all that he had right here and now?
    The need for air finally forced them apart, and Joel pulled back, panting and overcome by boundless emotion. “When