Page 55 of Sun, Moon & Shadow

“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.”