Page 18 of Sun, Moon & Shadow

“Only sentries are permitted access to the wall, miss.” The male's gaze traveled above her head, and he shrank back, swallowed up in an instant by Callan’s shadow as he rose up on the landing behind her.

“Apologies,” the guard mumbled. “I didn’t realize you were accompanying her.” He dipped his head and backed away, allowing her to pass. Nova wondered, was the guard’s deference to Callan born of respect or fear?

“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.