Chapter 225. Night of Suspended Time

"Happy birthday,"

Zein closed his eyes, leaning back completely to the strong and warm chest as his lips stretched into a contended smile. He reached out to stroke the platinum hair, tilting his head to look into the curling ambers.

Technically, it wasn't his birthday. They knew now that, unless he was severely premature, Zein would have been born around spring. But all his life, Zein had always 'celebrated' his birthday in the new year, along with the twins. 

Celebrated the fact that they had survived another year.

For the past four years, he had doing it alone, staring blankly into the Deathzone. This was his fifth year without the twins, but he was no longer alone. 

That too, needed to be celebrated.

"You're late," Zein muttered, although the slight chuckle in his voice made it clear that he wasn't annoyed.

"I'm right on time," Bassena argued.