Page 12 of Sun, Moon & Shadow (Fate of Aemoria #1)

“But you’re related to the Noble family?

” she asked, continuing their conversation.

Evander and Fawn called him cousin, but she didn’t know if they were true blood relations or if it was simply a term of endearment.

Her gaze danced over Callan’s dark hair and rich brown skin.

There was no family resemblance to speak of. She could certainly relate.

“The Noble Lady of Pyralis is a close family friend,” he clarified.

The two of them stopped, and Nova stood facing the expanse of forest and the vast rocky mountain range beyond. Callan stood at her side with his body angled toward her. His eyes darted over the wall to the knoll covered in dry grass below before settling on her.

“Let me see.” She took her time assessing him, raising one eyebrow and scanning him from the top of his head to the toes of his boots. Gods, she relished the opportunity to stare at him so openly. “No feathers or fur to suggest shapeshifting, so you aren’t from Maedwen. You must be from Nivali.”

“That’s correct,” he said. “I’m impressed.”

“I’ve always taken my studies very seriously.” A faint smile crept across Nova’s face unbidden, and she turned her head away from him.

She stood silent, the feeling of Callan’s eyes lingering on her like a soft caress.

“That’s the first time I’ve seen you smile,” he said. Though innocent, the observation stung her like a nettle. His voice was quiet, tone curious rather than judgmental. Still, her smile faded as quickly as it had appeared. Nova looked straight ahead over the treetops.

“I suppose there has been little for me to smile about,” she said finally. Callan didn’t speak but observed her intently.

“I was an outcast in the Human Realm. Folk found me odd and treated me horribly,” she said matter-of-factly. “From the time I was a child, I promised myself I would never give anyone the satisfaction of seeing they’d hurt me. I became very skilled at hiding my emotions—both good and bad.”

She glanced at him, her expression neutral. Silence hung in the brisk air between them.

Nova bit the inside of her cheek to prevent more words from spilling out.

Why did it feel as though she could share her most closely guarded secrets with him, a stranger?

It was reckless. And potentially dangerous.

She suspected her ability to mask her emotions was as valuable a skill in the Fae Realm as it had been in the human one. Perhaps even more so.

“Well, it’s lovely,” he said after a moment. “Your smile. The world would be lucky to see more of it.”

Nova looked to the east, feigning interest in the view of the distant gray mountains. In truth, she sought to hide the heat flushing her pale cheeks.

“So, the land of ice and snow,” she said awkwardly.

“And steel,” Callan added, shifting seamlessly with her change of subject. “The Winter Court is most renowned for two things: its forges that produce the finest blades, and its warriors who wield them.” He reached down and proudly patted the dagger forever sheathed at his thigh.

“Why do you choose to remain in Pyralis?” She turned to face him directly again, more intrigued by him than any view, however breathtaking.

“Many years ago, I found myself conflicted. Feeling trapped. Not knowing what I wanted out of life. I traveled around the Realm for a time—adrift, you could say. When Lady Estrid invited me to the Autumn Court to train her elite guards, I fell into an uncomplicated life here, and I simply stayed.”

The sideways glances from the sentries on the wall as they discreetly monitored Callan, their hands hovering a breath away from the hilts of their swords, suggested his existence was more complicated than he cared to admit.

“What was trapping you?” she asked, allowing her curiosity to get the better of her. At what point would she be prying?

“Expectations, I suppose.” He shrugged, averting his eyes.

“I know what you mean.” Nova nodded. “Females have little power in the Human Realm. I had an inheritance from my father that allowed me some freedom, but many are forced into unhappy unions simply for security.”

“I can’t say it’s any different in Aemoria. Most matches are strategic alliances of sorts. Though the Noble Lady of Tundara rules over her territory alone.”

“I read about her.” Lady Samira had earned a reputation as a fierce warrior; a reputation Nova envied. Coveted. “My place in the world was so defined by my being female, I never even considered what I might do if I had a choice in the matter.”

“And now?” Callan asked. “What would you like to do now that the choice is yours to make?”

Nova bit the inside of her cheek again.

“I want to learn to fight,” she said with a resolute nod. “I’ve spent my life running and hiding from danger. I got lucky with the lycane—”

Callan laid his hand over hers where it rested atop the cold stone. A pleasant chill ran the length of her spine at his unexpected touch.

“It wasn’t luck that saved you,” he said. “I watched you defeat the lycane. You knew you were no match for its size and strength, so you got into position and you let it fall on your blade. Let its weight do the work for you. It was brave. And damn clever.”

“You’re very kind.”

“I’m not saying it to be kind. I’m saying it because it’s true. You’re a fighter, Nova. You’ve earned your scars.”

Nova stared at his fingers draped gently over her own.

His touch was so warm against her skin she could scarcely believe he had the ability to conjure snow and ice in the palms of his hands.

She blinked several times before drawing her hand away.

Callan pulled his hand back as well, staring at it for a beat as if the limb had acted with a mind of its own.

“Look, I realized I brought you here without preparing you fully for what to expect. You’re obviously a quick study, but I sought you out today to share some advice.

” He paused for a moment. “You should know that Fae can’t lie directly.

But they can deceive. There are many who would do so simply for amusement, or for their own gain. Promise me you’ll be careful.”

Nova searched his eyes, imagining what it would feel like to stroke the curve of his jaw. How the roughness of his stubble would feel against her fingertips.

Stop.

“Don’t worry about me, Callan,” she said dryly, turning her face away from him. “I can take care of myself.”

She felt him bristle at the change in her demeanor.An awkward silence stretched between them.

“Why are there so many sentries?” she asked, changing the subject once again. “Expecting an attack?”

Callan rubbed his jaw, throwing a look at the guards stationed all along the crowded wall.

“They’re guarding the Estate against lycane.”

“Lycane?” A shudder rippled through Nova as she scanned the trees below. “Surely they can’t get past the wall.”

“Likely not. Lycane attacks are rare in Pyralis, though other territories haven’t been so fortunate.”

It was Callan’s turn to fall silent.

“I nearly forgot. I have something for you,” he said abruptly a moment later. Reaching behind his back, he removed something from his belt and held it out to her.

“My dagger!” she gasped, cradling it in her hands.

The blade had been sharpened and the hilt wrapped with a fresh strip of leather.

“I pulled it from the beast’s chest. It would have been a shame to lose such a fine weapon.”

Nova searched for adequate words but found none. If she remembered her faerie stories correctly, expressing gratitude was discouraged in the Fae Realm.

“It was my father’s.” It was all she could think to say.

Callan nodded and cleared his throat. They stood beside each other for another moment, neither one speaking.

“I can teach you,” he said, breaking the silence once again. “To fight. With a dagger. A sword. Whatever you prefer.”

“I’d like that.” A thin smile played on her lips. He nodded, and they both looked out over the forest, the trees swaying in the chill wind as if dancing at their feet.