Page 67 of Sun, Moon & Shadow

“Godsdamn it, Lucan,” she growled, storming to her chamber door. “I said to leave me—” Ripping the door wide open, she found not Lucan but Idrian standing on the other side. “Alone,” she finished, blowing a loose strand of hair out of her eyes and refusing to look as mortified as she felt.

A half smile curled on Idrian’s lips as he glanced down at her robe. The fabric was damp in spots and clung to the curves of her body. Nova ducked behind the door and cleared her throat.

“I heard you weren’t feeling well,” he said.

Isla was nothing if not a gossip. That and Idrian had already charmed his way into the good graces of every member of the household staff in his short time at the Estate. They were all too happy to grant whatever request he made of them, her lady’s maid included.

“I come bearing gifts.” Idrian held out his hands, a book in one and a small paper box in the other. Nova took both items, looking up at him with a vaguely skeptical expression.

What is he after?

“Something to read, and something to eat,” he explained as she lifted the lid of the box, revealing a handful of dark chocolates nestled inside. “There’s a shop in the city known throughout the territory for making the most decadent little treats.”

Nova inhaled deeply, the aroma of sugar wafting out of the decorative box.

“How unexpected,” she said, maintaining a neutral expression.

“I do enjoy defying expectations,” he replied, his voice low as he stared at her intently.

Idrian cast a quick glance down the hallway before stepping in closer and leaning his shoulder against the doorframe.

“Is there any other way I may be of service to you today, Nova?” His eyes dimmed a shade darker, his words laced with hidden meaning. The open, youthful expression he normally wore morphed into a heavy-lidded stare. It felt like a challenge.

There was that feeling again. Like she was standing too close to the edge. Nova gripped the doorknob with her free hand.

“No,” she said finally, her tone friendly but firm. “I believe I’ve benefitted from your kindness enough for one day.”

“Very well.” Idrian’s gaze brightened, and he shoved off the doorframe. “I’ve accepted an invitation from Lord Nox to dine with you all. I hope you’ll be feeling better by the dinner hour.”

“We shall see. I should rest.”

“Of course.” He took a step back and bowed formally before taking his leave.

Nova shoved the door closed with her hip, balancing the book and the chocolates in her arms, and went to the bed. Easing down onto her stomach, she opened the small box and brought one of the treats to her lips. The chocolate was delicious, dark and slightly bitter as it melted on her tongue; it was precisely what she craved.

She rolled onto her back, flipping through the pages of Idrian’s book. A small square of black parchment fluttered out and landed on her chest. A note was written in silver ink, the lettering boxy and masculine.

Will they, or won’t they?

Nova opened the book to the title page and read through the first several chapters, chuckling out loud from time to time in the quiet of her room. The decorated general had brought her a romance novel. She shook her head, entirely unsure what to make of him.

Defying expectations, indeed.

The Great Hall thrummed with lively conversation, occasional peals of laughter ringing out above the hum. Nova swirled deep red wine around the globe of her crystal glass. She sat flanked by Nox, seated at the head of the table on her right, and Lucan, lounging in his chair on her left.

She tilted her head back, drinking in the view of the moon visible through the glass ceiling. A waxing crescent hung against the dark sky, casting minimal light, but the ornate moonstone chandelier brightened the space. The terms of Nova’s bargain stipulated that she remain in the Lunar Court until the next new moon. With the end drawing near, she wasn’t certain she wanted to leave.

The grand table was packed to capacity with members of Nox’s Court. Many were painters and sculptors, though there were a few musicians and composers peppered in. Every one of them had welcomed her with open arms—no trace of fear in their eyes when they looked at her. For the first time in her life, Nova felt as though she belonged. As if she was precisely where she was meant to be.

Discreetly, she observed Idrian at the far end of the table seated on the opposite side. His gaze locked on hers, and Nova wondered whether he had been watching her, too. He ran his fingertips along the stem of his glass before lifting it to his lips and taking a sip, his eyes not leaving hers. Nova flashed a thin smile and looked away, shifting in her seat.

“What’s wrong with you?” Lucan asked, tearing into a crusty roll with his sharp teeth.

“Nothing. I’m fine,” she said, waving him off. “I sometimes find it difficult to sit through these five-course meals.”

“Maybe you wouldn’t be so restless if you’d made it to training earlier.”

“As I already told you, Commander, I was dealing with female troubles—”