Page 33 of Sun, Moon & Shadow (Fate of Aemoria #1)

Once in the corridor, Isla took to her wings, fluttering several strides ahead of Nova.

Rather than descending the stairs to Great Hall, as Nova had expected, Isla led her to the wing on the opposite side of the Estate.

The maid ushered her into a private chamber, past a large bed and stately furniture, and out onto a wide terrace overlooking the seashore in the distance.

The sky had darkened, and several moonstone orbs lit the space with pale light.

At the center of the terrace sat a black metal table with a glass top set with tiered platters of fruit, boiled eggs, and fresh sliced bread with butter and jam.

Nova’s stomach growled at the sight. Two males sat at the table, but only one rose on Nova’s entrance.

She’d already had the displeasure of meeting the one who remained seated: Commander Lucan.

Nova looked past him, focusing her attention on the other male.

Nox. Her uncle. The Noble Lord of Silvergard.

He was nothing like what she’d expected.

Straight white hair fell past his shoulders, and the genuine smile on his wide mouth warmed his charcoal eyes. He wore a loose shirt and black leather breeches on his tall frame. Studs of glowing moonstone and several silver rings pierced his ears.

“Nova,” he said, extending a hand to her. “Welcome.” His voice was a soothing baritone.

Nova crossed the terrace and stood beside the table, taking his offered hand.

“Your Grace.” She bowed her head. He squeezed her fingers gently and motioned for her to take the seat beside him.

“Please, call me Nox,” he said as he settled back into his chair. The commander slouched in his seat, ignoring her. To her surprise, Nox swatted him lightly on the shoulder.

“Say hello to our guest, Lucan.”

The commander straightened and forced a thin smile. “Welcome, Nova.” He resumed his slouching immediately afterward.

Nova thought she caught Nox roll his eyes. “You must be hungry. Please, eat,” he said. “Lucan tells me you had quite the journey.”

Nova glanced at the terrace doors, realizing Isla had silently taken her leave.She was on her own. Lowering herself into her seat, she quickly scanned Nox’s breakfast of melon, eggs, and tea. She helped herself to servings of the same foods, assuming those items would be safe to eat.

“Yes, your guards boarded us and took me hostage,” she said calmly as she leaned forward, reaching across the table for the silver teapot. Lucan tensed, his eyes lingering briefly on the scars running down her shoulder blade and disappearing beneath her bodice.

“You should see the wolf that did it,” she said.

Lucan glanced warily at Nox, who chuckled quietly before sipping his tea.

“How did you know I was on the vessel? Your commander came prepared with an invitation for me to remain here as your guest.” Nova poured herself a cup of steaming tea and took a sip. Strong and bracing. Thank the gods. Her day should have been ending, while Nox’s day was just beginning.

“Lucan showed me,” he replied.

“Showed you?”

“I’m sure you’ve heard whispers of the abilities I possess. Abilities I don’t often use. But when Lucan saw you on the ship, he allowed me to see you through his eyes.”

Nova casually sipped her tea, marveling at what it must be like to possess such power.

“Believe it or not, word travels fast in Aemoria,” Nox continued, observing her closely.

“The sudden arrival of a mysterious, raven-haired female with pale skin and silver eyes in the Autumn Court set tongues wagging. Word of you first made it to me after you attended the Hayer celebration dressed like Orika herself.” He set his drink down on the table before him.

“You certainly glow just like a moonstone.”

“I can see how my arrival may have caused a stir, given my appearance and the reputation of your Court.” She bit into a juicy slice of fresh melon.

“Surely you mean our Court,” Nox said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Nova kept her face neutral, politely chewing her food.

“I suspected you were descended from Silvergard when I heard the description of you. But I knew you were my niece, last of the Elsever bloodline and heir to the Lunar Throne, the instant Lucan showed me your face.”

Nova swallowed dryly, then tried and failed to clear her throat.

So, Nova Greenmore was Nova Elsever all along .

“I’ve only just learned the identity of my father.”

“What was your plan for coming to Silvergard?” Lucan interjected, amber eyes narrowed on her.

“Coming to Silvergard was never part of my plan,” she said icily. “I sought to return to Nivali before we inadvertently sailed too close to shore.”

Lucan nodded mockingly, as if to say it was a likely story.

“Speaking of which, what has happened to my companion? To his crew? I trust you were true to your word.” Nova struggled to keep the tremble from her voice.

“Oh, yes. Your mate .” Lucan’s lip curled up in a sneer.

“Enough,” Nox ordered, his tone calm but authoritative. The commander’s unfriendly demeanor shifted, and he looked at her, his expression almost apologetic.

“He’s alive. On his way back to Nivali.” He glanced at Nox, seemingly seeking approval.

Relief crashed against her, and Nova dipped her head, hiding the raw emotion on her face.

“Leave us, Lucan.” A gentle order, but an order nonetheless. “I’ll join you shortly,” Nox added, a bit softer. Lucan nodded and rose from his seat, slinking across the terrace and back inside.

“Your commander is an ass. I hope you don’t mind me saying so.”

Nox chuckled softly. “Lucan is many things. He comes from an ancient race of walking wolves.” He paused, presumably to gauge her reaction.

As usual, she showed none.

“And you’re right, he can be an ass.”

Nova didn’t respond and instead sipped her tea. She felt Nox’s gaze lingering on her as she ate in silence for several minutes.

“You’re a lot like him, you know. Intelligent. Stoic.”

Nova scoffed. “Are you talking about Lucan?”

“No. My brother,” Nox said. “Omen.”

“My father is a monster.”

Nox nodded slowly. “You may be right. But experience has taught me monsters are often made, not born.”

Nova twisted the gauzy fabric of her skirts in her lap.

“You must be tired,” Nox said finally, rising from his seat. “Why don’t you return to your chamber to rest. I’d like it if you would join me again later so I might show you around the Estate.”

“As you command,” she said, standing to leave.

“You are not a prisoner here, Nova. Please don’t feel obligated to do anything you don’t wish to do.”

“May I have some parchment and ink? I’d like to send word to Nivali.”

“The desk in your room should be stocked with whatever you need. I hope to see you later.”

Nova nodded and left the Noble Lord of Silvergard to his breakfast.

Lucan stood at attention in the hallway when he saw Nova exit, stepping to the side and allowing her room to pass.

“Commander,” she said, pausing in front of him. “I’ve been training in sword fighting, and I’d hate to stall while I’m a guest here. Can you spare anyone to instruct me during my stay?”

“Call me Lucan,” he said, apparently growing resigned to her presence. “And I’ll train you myself. We can begin tomorrow.”

“I look forward to it.” She turned and started down the hall in the direction of her own chamber. When she glanced back, Nox had joined Lucan in the hall, the two of them speaking quietly with their heads bowed close together.