"The High Lord meeting is tomorrow," Feyre said, sitting precariously at the edge of the bed while her fingers drummed her knees.
Nova, in the bathroom, paused as she cleaned her teeth. She stared at herself for a long moment, tittering on the edge of anxiety. She knew what the Winter and Night Court would bring to the table, but what about the rest of them? Would they show their declining numbers as well?
Spitting out her paste, she wiped her mouth on a towel and emerged, "I know…" Nova sighed, limping toward her. Each morning since they'd been introduced to the training center, Nova had crawled up the ice towers, and every day she regretted her choices as it came at the expense of her leg.
"Nova," Feyre began, paused, and tried again. "Nova…I want you to envision something."
Nodding slowly, she took a careful seat in the chair by the window.
"Beron is gone, yes, but I want you to tell me how you'd feel walking into the meeting…with a heavy limp."
It was a discussion Feyre and Rhys had had multiple times in the past week, and it always resulted in the same conclusion. She could be taken advantage of. It wasn't that they thought any one person would try to do anything in desperation, but they trusted no one.
They couldn't.
While good-natured, the effects of the prophecy were getting worse, and the thought of their daughter walking in with the inability to run should she need to, filled them with pure fear.
Nova swallowed and glanced up, nodding slowly, her voice low in her throat. "I know."
"I asked Madja, and she can try to help, but she said she doesn't have as much experience Wolfe does."
Nova stiffened.
"I know this will be difficult to say, but talk to me," Feyre crossed the room with a slight frown and knelt next to her chair. "I would never force you to do something, so tell me how we can help you, because I'm scared."
Nova frowned as she glanced at her.
"I'm scared that this injury could put you in danger." She took a deep breath. "Is it because he's a male?" She asked tenderly.
"It isn't that I don't trust the judgment of the people here…" Nova scratched the surface of the armrest, looking anywhere but her. "But I know where he will have to touch, and I don't think I'd be able to keep myself calm."
She was almost certain no amount of meditation could keep her calm.
Still, she knew the reality. What she wanted and what needed to happen weren't the same. She closed her eyes, trying to push away the tears that threatened to fall.
"Can you request that Wolfe help me?" Nova asked. She could already feel the tightening of her chest, like waking from a fresh nightmare.
Feyre, silent for a weighted moment, nodded. "Nova."
After a moment of hesitation, she slowly looked to meet her gaze.
"It is alright to be afraid. It does not make you weak to react to something that has hurt you in the past," taking her hand in hers, she squeezed, "I will not leave your side."
Nova breathed in a shudder and nodded.
It wasn't long before Wolfe, who Kallias had summoned from the training center, knocked at Nova's door.
I can do this.
Nova had to remind herself that this person was not Zaylor. He was a healer, and he was here to help her. She was not in danger.
Then why was her heart suddenly beating out of her chest?
Gritting her teeth, she steeled herself to simply get through. She didn't have to pretend to like it, but for the next few minutes, she could at least distance herself from her reality. She could shut off her brain and not think of anything in those moments.
Emerie opened the door to allow Wolfe in, who wasn't what Nova expected. He was very tall, yes, but instead of pale skin like most from the Winter Court, his deep bronze complexion suggested this may not have been his birthplace. However, his hair was as silver as Klaus's, and their features were similar too. Were they related?
His smile was soft, matching the kindness in his eyes. "Hello, Nova. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Nova forced a grim smile, though she didn't move from her chair, trying to relax her stiffened shoulders.
Stopping himself across the rug, he observed her. "Nova, you have every right to look at me and tell me to back away. To leave. To take my hands off of you. Do you understand?"
Nova narrowed her eyes slowly, "Yes…"
"Alright," Wolfe nodded, "If I should need to touch you, I will tell you where and why. Your uncle told me you're used to running at least ten miles a day. It must be difficult not being able to do that right now. Let's see if we can't get you walking, hm?"
The rush of running, dashing madly through low-hanging vines and jumping over logs to reach an unknown destination had been stripped from her for far too long.
"I'm going to have you stand and walk for me. My hands will remain with me. I merely want to observe."
Nova placed her hands on the armrests and carefully pushed herself up. She felt stronger in her arms and chest. Her core had improved drastically, and she didn't need to have constant support. But as she walked forward, her right leg did most of the heavy lifting as her left leg dragged itself.
"What do you feel when you walk?" Wolfe asked, eyes fixated on her left leg.
The door opened, and Madja slipped in with a small smile. She said nothing as she joined Emerie to the side.
Nova placed a hand at her hip. "It aches always, but when I walk, it's like being stabbed."
Nova walked a little more, at the request of Wolfe, before he said, "I'd like to try something that I think might help you. Will you let me try?"
Her heart, which had relaxed, took off again, but she nodded.
"My right hand is going to touch your hip," Wolfe said before slowly reaching forward. Holding her left hip in his large hand, he rested his thumb against a spot diagonal between her hip and pelvis. Applying a bit of pressure, Nova instinctively curled her lip as a snarl ripped its way up her throat, much like a wild animal caught in a trap.
Wolf removed his touch, keeping his hands visible as he nodded, "I think I can help you by realigning your hip. The joint there, that I just touched, sits between your femur and your pelvis. Even if it's only slightly out of place, the inflammation can cause incredible pain that worsens with time. The tonics you were taking in the beginning likely masked much of the pain, and now that you're trying to engage the area with more movement, it's irritating everything around. It will take less than a minute. Would you like to try?"
Less than a minute to feel better? It sounded too good to be true, and surely she could do anything for a minute, right? Finally, she nodded, "If you can."
Wolfe offered her his hands, "I'll need you to lie on a flat surface. The floor will be more suitable than the ground."
Nova's stomach plummeted, and her heart leaped into her throat, but she nodded. She could do this. One minute…just one. Taking a deep breath, she let Wolfe help her to the ground, noticing her mother move a little closer so that she was not out of her line of sight. With a shaky breath, Nova lay on her back. She clenched her jaw.
One minute. Sixty seconds.
"My hands are going to be on your hips, and I'll move your legs to have an angle that will help secure the placement. Are you alright?"
Nova nodded, but a cold sweat had formed on her brow, and she suddenly felt liable to throwing up. Breathing in through her nose and out through her mouth, she tried to detach herself from her reality. She was safe and receiving help. Letting her mind wander, she tried to focus on anything else as Wolfe placed his hands on her hips and maneuvered her legs as he said he would, but not even the memory of their surprise birthday party could stop the sudden panic that swept through her.
Her entire body stiffened as the scent of cooked flesh in a simmering pot stung her eyes.
"Nova," Wolfe said gently, "If you're not relaxed, it will cause more damage. I know it's difficult. Take a deep breath. Try to calm your body. You are safe."
Nova released a shaky breath, but every time she tried to unclench her muscles, they instinctively tightened at the sensation of someone, while not literally, opening her legs.
Downstairs, in the parlor, Hollis stared blankly at the wall of books that lined the shelves. The others, quietly, stared at Hollis. He'd stopped answering questions minutes before the moment he felt Nova's distress slam into him. Stiff in his chair, he didn't move a muscle. He couldn't enter the room. So, he sat there. And he focused.
The time he had attempted to look into her before had failed. It had been experimental as he nervously toed the waters. Now was different. Now, upstairs in her room, Nova was panicked, and her anxiety caught in his throat like wildfire smoke. Without hesitating, he mentally and spiritually stormed her castle. He tore through the barriers she'd placed and sought her.
Prickled in a raging ball of fire and shadow, Nova was close to losing any composure she had. Hollis could see it before his eyes, all else blocked as he dived forward and wrapped himself around her. He held her in a tight embrace, offering the calm she'd given him so many times before.
It's okay, he whispered into her ball of chaos, You're safe.
Nova released a warm sigh of relief as her panic was covered in something soft. It wasn't warm like a blanket, but cool like aloe. Her body eased off its tension, and Wolfe took the opportunity to place pressure.
Blinking in surprise, the pain that had radiated through her hip down her leg was…gone. She immediately sat up, brows raised in surprise as Wolfe grinned.
"You did it," Wolf nodded, "How do you feel?"
A slow grin spread over her features as she stood, easier than before, and shifted her weight from one leg to the other. "An equal amount of ache." She took the opportunity to walk, and for the first time since she'd gotten out of bed for the first time over a month ago, pain didn't shoot through the left leg with blinding electricity. Looking up at Wolfe, she beamed, "Thank you…"
"It's my pleasure," he grinned in return, "Now, just be aware, since it's been damaged, there's always a chance you might feel some lasting effects, but if you ever start to feel the pain again, I'll be right there to help."
Nova nodded and glanced at her mother, who happily clapped her hands, "I think we should celebrate!"
Pulling himself out, Hollis leaned his head back and released the breath he'd been holding to find his father kneeling worriedly before him.
"Are you alright? You haven't been responding…"
"She's okay," Hollis answered through a lightheaded sensation.
Just then, Nova bounded down the stairs and entered the parlor.
"Well, look at you," Rhys grinned as she showcased her ability to spin and pivot on her heel.
With bright eyes, she settled grin on Hollis, "I'm going to kick your ass in the ring."
Hollis laughed and nodded, "I don't doubt that."
Nova spent the day exploring the palace, where she usually hadn't been able to go. Places that had steeper stairs or were too long of a distance. She ached, but it was a good ache. One she'd been desperately craving for weeks.
Up a narrow passageway she'd found in the corner of the kitchen, Nova made her way up, holding a cookie that Celeste had pushed into her hand, and forced her way into a large ballroom. She vaguely remembered the place, but primarily because of the grand piano that sat in its center. Polished like an iridescent pearl, it was a magnificent centerpiece.
To her surprise, Hollis sat on the chaise by the window. With a book in his lap, his head leaned back against the cushioned frame. The seat itself was attacked, much like in her room at the townhouse, but this curved out, offering more support for the whole body. Glancing at the door over his shoulder, she frowned as a memory surfaced.
An ice bear, frozen in time by the throw of a spear, trapped behind a wall of glass.
When she looked back at Hollis, she started a little, as he was now staring at her. He smiled with tired eyes. "How's your exploration going?"
Biting her lip, she sat where he shifted his feet, and leaned back, resting against the window. She sighed, happy to have some pressure off her limbs.
"I can't believe you lived here all your life," Nova said, looking up at the ornate ceiling, trimmed in gold. "Did you like it?"
"Hm?" He settled his gaze on her profile.
Nova turned her head to look at him. "Did you like growing up here?" She settled her hands on her belly, and he watched the slow rise and fall before answering.
"I was safe."
"But not happy?"
Hollis smiled softly, "I could have been happier in certain aspects…" He cringed. Oh, he sounded so ungrateful.
"Like?" Nova turned her body, facing him directly.
"Like…" Hollis chewed his lower lip and sighed. "I was usually by myself. Bran was there often, but back then we didn't talk much. Couldn't really be considered friends then. I don't know," Hollis shrugged, "I have nothing to complain about. I had a roof over my head and didn't wonder when my next meal might be."
Frowning, she watched him for a long moment. Did he sound as though he felt guilty? "You know, it isn't a bad thing to be grateful for what you have, while being sad for what you don't."
He met her eyes and managed a soft chuckle, but it faded quickly.
"You're not alone now," Nova said with a small smile and nudged his calf with her toe, "I bet you're getting sick of us infiltrating your home like this."
Laughing, Hollis shook his head, "Far from it. It's a big palace. Too big not to share with people."
It was true. He was happier now, with people here to share the space and hear the random laughter or conversations. It felt like it did when he was a child, before all of this happened. Before that damned meeting when they withdrew that dusty scroll.
Sighing, he ran his fingers through his hair, frowning at the length that stuck out through his fingers. Then he asked, "What about you?" He smirked over at her. "I know we talked a little bit about the Island, but you only told me about the things you did. Not how you felt doing them."
Nova smiled and leaned her head against the windowpane. "I loved it." She frowned. "I know I may come across as rude when it comes to being around others, but I don't mean to be. I do like people, well, the people around here." Stroking her fingers against her thigh, drawing a continuous infinity sign, she didn't meet his eyes as she continued. "On my Island, everything was always so peaceful, yet never quiet. I could listen to the animals talk all day. I like it here," she nodded, "I just…I miss my trees."
"Do you think you'd like to go back when you feel able?"
Nova turned to look at him, "I don't believe that to be much of an option anymore. Even if tomorrow goes well, it's still all so…" She let out a long sigh. "Nothing will be as it was, and that's something I have to live with. We have to live with."
They were quiet for a long moment, finding comfort in the other's silence. Nova leaned to the side, resting against his leg with her cheek propped against his knee.
"Are you worried about tomorrow?" Hollis asked, voice low.
Swallowing, she said, "I'm terrified."
Staring at their uneaten breakfast plates, Nova was certain the cramps in her stomach were somehow shared with Hollis, judging by his expression. Honestly, she'd rather have an empty stomach if she ended up feeling nauseous anyway.
Everyone at the table knew the reality, yet no one dared to say a word. The findings they were bringing to the meeting proved that not only had the marriage bond not done a damn thing to stop their worlds from crumbling, but it had quickened its pace.
"We'll leave in the next few minutes," Rhysand nodded, meeting his daughter's gaze. "Are you ready?"
"Nope," she said, took a sip of water, and smiled as Potato weaved between her ankles. She'd asked Viviane and Kallias if she might stay here, and to her delight, they'd obliged. It wasn't unusual to find her basking on any window cushion available.
Feyre smiled softly, though it didn't reach her eyes, "It will be just fine. We can't expect more than ten years of decline to change in a month. They understand that, too.
Being true didn't make it any less for her stomach to churn. She glanced up and met Hollis's gaze. He didn't seem frightened, just worried.
"Whatever may happen," Bran said from beside her, "We'll be right here."
Nova managed a smile and nodded. With everything they'd already overcome, this too would pass and soon be a distant memory with a few lessons learned.
They walked the hall toward the meeting room of the Dawn Court. It was just as it was in the first meeting: Nova and Hollis, with their parents on either side. This would be different, though. It had to be with Beron gone. Nova found a bit of solace knowing it was his own son who committed the act. Grudges couldn't be held, and it was one less thing to worry about, knowing the Autumn Court had a new leader.
Two new faces to Nova.
Her father opened the door, and the seats around the same polished table were filled but theirs. The two she didn't immediately recognize, but could easily distinguish, sat opposite one another. Tamlin greeted their entrance with a slow nod of his head as Lucien and Elain, next to him, smiled. He looked gaunt, as though he hadn't slept or eaten in years. Perhaps he hadn't.
Thesan smiled in welcome, "It's nice to see you doing well, Nova."
Returning politely, she merely nodded and took her seat. She didn't feel too out of place. She wasn't where she was before, obviously. She'd noticeably lost muscle mass, but that didn't stop her from letting herself sit up straight, harnessing the confidence she'd been gaining the last few days.
"We won't let this go long," Thesan said, drumming his fingers against his leather-bound journal. "To summarize my findings, we are losing rather than gaining. The death toll has risen, and we've buried more dead from illness than can be kept track of." He looked around the table before his gaze settled on Nova and Hollis, who sat together, yet apart. The similar markings at least confirmed the bond had been set, but what were they missing?
"As is for the Summer Court," Tarquin said, rubbing the back of his neck with a soft sigh, "We've stopped fishing, but it doesn't bring the numbers back. They float to the surface instead, rotten."
Nova closed her eyes and took a deep breath through her nose before glancing at Hollis as he sat, frozen as still as a statue. Their eyes turned to Helion.
"Our livestock numbers have dropped more in the past month than in the past decade." Helion sadly looked at Nova and Hollis. She clenched her jaw and inwardly cursed.
Everyone had the same story to tell.
Eris, too, said, "The orchards are decayed, and new groves won't take root."
"The crops in the Spring Court are the same," Lucien nodded with a furrowed brow, "Before, at least, we could grow small stalks. Now the seeds won't sprout."
The more Nova heard, the lower she sank into her seat. Would this be it? Was this how it was all meant to end?
Painfully slow as they watched their people suffer?
Kallias spoke in a soft, gravelly voice, "Our temperatures have plummeted. The wood we've been using to burn has begun rotting. Our kindling will be gone soon. We'll have no way to warm our people."
"Our forests are declining," Rhys murmured, "The animals within them are dying. They have no injury or other suspected illness, but they fall to the ground like a carcass. As though it's been dead for months."
The table fell silent.
Then, Tamlin, who hadn't spoken a word the entire time, said, "You have completed the bond?" He asked.
Nova flashed, and Hollis flashed their eyes at him. She met his eyes. Though swept with dark shadows beneath, they were alert as he studied them.
"Yes, we're married," Nova said, lifting her arm to show the markings, as if he needed more proof. As if he hadn't already seen the shimmer from where he sat.
Rhys stiffened before Tamlin said, "Meaning you consummated the marriage?"
Frozen where she sat, Nova's mouth parched. Who the fuck did he think he was? In what world would he think that would be an appropriate question? It's what she wanted to say, but she didn't. Instead, she sat there as panic seized her throat. She couldn't hear the soft murmurs around the table, didn't know if they agreed with Tamlin's obvious accusation.
Slowly, Nova turned to look at Hollis, who sat in utter shock as he stared at Tamlin, not dropping his gaze. There was no escaping this, was there? Yet another choice would be ripped from her, just as everything else had.
"Excuse me…" Nova muttered, stood shakily from her seat, and walked back through the doors as tears burned behind her eyes.
I can't. I can't. I can't. Please, don't make me.
Find another way. Find any other way.
Collective quiet sat among the tables' occupants as the door closed behind Nova, and Hollis still stared at Tamlin. Had he just suggested what he thought he did? Surely that couldn't be a deciding factor in this. The bond was complete, the tattoos proved it, and there was nothing else he and Nova needed to do.
Surely the rest understood that. They'd tell Tamlin he was wrong for even the thought of it, and they'd move on to find an actual solution, even if that meant no solution at all. But as he glanced around at the faces of the table, they all held a similar look, aside from Feyre…who hid her face behind her hands.
"We had hoped it wouldn't come to this," Thesan said gently, finally meeting Hollis's gaze. "We'd hope the ceremony alone would be enough to fulfill the prophecy. Now that it hasn't," he released a soft sigh, "we move to the next course of action. Hollis, when you and Nova have completed the bond in its entirety, we will reconvene."
Feyre's shoulders shook as Rhys closed his red eyes. Even his own parents were unable to hide the tears that rolled down their cheeks, along with Lucien, and Elain as she stood, and quickly moved to Feyre. To console her. Because her daughter, Nova, would be forced to give up her body. Again.
"No," Hollis said, and all eyes landed on him, even Feyre's, which were swollen.
Thesan pursed his lips, "I know this isn't what anyone wants, Hollis…"
"The answer…is no." Hollis leaned back in his chair and met Thesan's gaze directly. The courage that had evaded him all those years always seemed to come back when Nova was concerned. He had told the truth that night in the study. He could be brave for her, and right now was one of those times. "I will not touch her, nor will you force me. Should you try, I'll gladly take a dagger to my heart, and where will that leave you? You should have done more to protect us. We were children. The way he behaved that day had already indicated he wasn't going to wait, and you stood to the side on 'what-ifs'. You don't decide our fates anymore. We do."
Thesan blinked in surprise, but it was Tamlin who said, "If you don't, you have sentenced everyone to death."
Nodding, he stood to his feet and fixated on Tamlin, "Then I suppose I'll see you all in Hell." With that, he pushed in his chair, turned, and left.
Hollis walked to the doors with a stride of authority that dared them to underestimate his promise.