Page 12 of Sun, Moon & Shadow

Nova stared at the female without speaking, her breathing fast and shallow. Closing her eyes, she swallowed hard, willing her body into a disguise of composure.

“Callan,” she demanded. “Where is he?”

“He’s been to check on you several times, but I believe he’s training at the moment. I’m Fawn,” the female said, laying a hand on her chest and taking several slow steps forward. Her soft brown eyes were doe-like, large and expressive.

“H-how long have I been asleep? My wounds have healed.” Nova assumed it must have been weeks, if not longer.

“It’s been three days. It’s quite remarkable, really.” Fawn’s voice swam with enthusiasm. “You’re descended from Sonnend, the Solar Court, which is known for its healers. Though, I confess, I’ve never seen anyone heal as quickly as you have.”

“Is this Sonnend?” Nova gestured vaguely to the room around her.

“No, darling. You’re in Pyralis.”

Fawn’s kindness filled the chamber like a physical presence, practically palpable.

“When you’re feeling up to it, I’d be happy to give you a geography lesson. And a history lesson. I’m sure you have many questions about the Fae Realm.”

“Your offer is very kind.”

“It’s no bother. I’ve always been a bit of a know-it-all,” Fawn said, approaching Nova with measured steps until she stood within arm’s reach. “I’d love to learn about humans, if you’d be willing to teach me,” she added, practically giddy.

“Yes, well, I suppose I was never truly human.” Nova glanced quickly at the mirror and the unfamiliar face reflected there before turning back to Fawn. “But I could tell you about their customs and beliefs, if you’d like.”

“It’s lovely to finally meet you.” Fawn placed a gentle hand on Nova’s forearm, the touch warm and comforting. “You must be starving. Let’s get you fed. Everything is better with a full stomach.”

As if on cue, a maid entered the room, a tray of food balanced in her hands. She placed the tray on the edge of the bed and backed away with a quick curtsy. Fawn acknowledged the maid with a gracious nod before turning back and motioning for Nova to sit on the bed. Then she lowered herself onto the wooden chair at the bedside and smoothed her hands over her lap. Once settled, Fawn flicked her wrist, and the fire flared on the hearth, burning brighter as if she’d poured hog fat over the flames. Nova’s eyes went wide at the casual display of magic.

But even the existence of magic couldn’t distract her from the gnawing emptiness in her stomach. Nova turned her attention to the tray, piled high with roasted chicken, rosemary potatoes, braised carrots, and fresh bread. The aroma instantly set her mouth watering. She ate greedily, too overcome with hunger to concern herself with manners. She gulped down a mug of cold cider as Fawn sat quietly, biting her lip in what Nova assumed was an attempt not to laugh. When she was through, Nova dragged the back of her hand across her mouth, clearing her throat demurely.

“Better?” Fawn asked with a hint of a chuckle.

“Yes, much.”

“Why don’t you have a bath?” Fawn rose, leading the way into the attached bathing chamber. She filled the large copper soaking tub in the center of the wood-paneled room with steaming water. A pleasant, spicy scent filled the air.

Shrugging off her silk nightdress, Nova made a clumsy attempt to climb over the edge of the tub. She cursed under her breath, embarrassed by her coltish movements as she wobbled on foreign-feeling limbs. Fawn offered a hand, but Nova waved her off.

“I can manage,” she said, trying to assure herself as much as Fawn.

After a moment of difficulty, Nova sank into the luxurious bath. Fawn excused herself, promising to return once Nova had finished.

Alone in the quiet of the bathing chamber, Nova slid down the tub until she was completely submerged, cocooned in the deliciously hot water. She opened her eyes and watched the small bubbles escaping from her nose dart to the surface. Squeezing her eyes shut, she held her breath until her lungs burned. The sensation was oddly comforting, the pain serving as proof she was alive. Bursting through the surface a moment later, she gulped down a deep, cleansing breath, smoothing her hands over the crown of her head and down her shoulders. Her fingertips grazed the raised lines of the fresh scars on her back—a permanent reminder of what she had survived.

Nova opened an amber bottle and poured sweet-smelling soap into her hands. As she scrubbed roughly at her scalp, she took stock of her current situation. While her physical transformation had been instantaneous when she crossed the Boundary, it would take time to acclimate to the ways of the Fae Realm. She needed to tread carefully as she learned as much as possible about the Fae folk and their customs. She questioned how much she could rely on the accuracy of her beloved faerie stories.

Nova dunked beneath the water and rinsed her hair clean. Rising out of the water, she grabbed a towel and tousled her hair before wrapping the downy fabric around her torso. She managed to step out of the tub on her own, a bit unsteady on her feet, but determined.

Three gowns lay draped over the edge of the bed when she returned to the chamber. After a quick inspection, Nova settled on the least extravagant option, a cinnamon-colored day dress with a fitted bodice and straps that fell off the shoulder. A gentle knock came on the door, and Fawn entered just as Nova finished fastening the row of tiny buttons on the front of the bodice.

“The color suits you,” Fawn said, adjusting the drape of the straps. “I’ll bring you to the seamstress for some gowns of your own. Until then, you may borrow anything of mine you like.”

Nova accepted the offer with a nod; though she’d just met Fawn, she’d already gathered there was little sense in arguing with her plans. Nova tugged at the bodice, trying to shift it up higher over the swell of her breasts which fought against the confinement of the garment made for Fawn’s willowy figure. In the Human Realm, Nova had preferred plain, modest dresses in a muted palette—an unsuccessful strategy she employed to blend into the background. In this gown, she felt like the focal point of the painting.

“I’ve never worn such a fine dress before,” she said, squirming a bit more.

“You look lovely. Here, I’ll fix your hair.” Fawn guided her onto the cushioned stool and pinned her hair back with two golden combs shaped like leaves, displaying her new ears.

“I’m joining my brother and cousin for tea in the library if you feel up to leaving your room.” Fawn looked down at her expectantly. Nova fiddled with the small buttons lining the front of her bodice.