Nova drifted in a fog between consciousness and sleep, her body limp in Fin's bed while those who loved her watched over her. The realm of dreams welcomed her like a tide, sweeping her into something deeper, older, and more sacred than anything she could name.
She stood in a field of silver grass beneath a twilight sky, where the moon pulsed like a heartbeat and stars hung low enough to touch. She walked forward, guided by instinct rather than sight.
There was a forest at the edge of the field. Ancient trees curved inward as if they bowed to her arrival, their branches whispering in languages she didn't understand—but felt in her bones.
Ahead, standing still and waiting in a clearing, was a massive black wolf with gold eyes. His fur shimmered like starlight in motion. He didn't move. He just watched her. And something inside her—the deepest part—ached when she saw him.
She took a step forward.
"You always come to me in dreams," she said softly. "But I never remember your name."
The wolf tilted his head, eyes glowing a deep gold, threaded with a faint hint of hazel. She could feel his energy—commanding, fierce, loyal beyond reason. And familiar. So heartbreakingly familiar.
"I don't know who you are," she whispered, voice trembling. "But I want to."
A warm wind rustled the trees. Silver petals from some unseen bloom floated around them, catching in her hair.
"I am sad." she said, and her voice cracked.
The wolf stepped forward slowly, lowering his head. His nose brushed her hand, and something clicked into place within her—like a lock unsealing after lifetimes.
"I don't understand," she breathed. "Why do I feel like… I've known you before I ever took my first breath?"
The wolf didn't speak.
She touched his fur—it was soft, impossibly warm—and leaned into him, pressing her cheek against his shoulder.
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Nova stirred, the scent of forest rain and eucalyptus drawing her gently from the depths of sleep. It was warm. Safe. A steady heartbeat was behind her and she felt the weight of strong arms holding her protectively.
For a moment, she stayed still—eyes closed, breath soft—afraid that if she moved, the world would start turning again. That moment of quiet would vanish. She wanted to hold onto it just a second longer.
Her body ached like she'd fought a war. Her eyes felt swollen, like she'd been crying even in her sleep.
And then it hit her.
The ceremony.
Jax.
Marra.
The rejection.
It came back not as a memory, but a tidal wave crashing over her. Her throat tightened.
She had done the right thing. She knew that. But gods… it hurt like hell.
She took a slow, shaky breath. Her hand instinctively moved to her chest. The mate bond had been cleanly severed. But it had left a phantom ache in its wake—one she didn't know how long would linger.
I am proud of you, Seraphine whispered in her mind.
You helped me through that, Nova thought back.
No, child. That was all you.
The depth with which you loved him, and still chose to let him go?
Legends are made from less. That was the bravest, most painful thing you've ever done.
A tear slipped down her temple.
Thank you, she whispered internally. Do you think the Moon Goddess will help us find our fated mate? Or if he's even out there?
There was a long pause.
Ask me that again in a bit.
What do you mean? Nova asked, confused.
But Seraphine said nothing more and Nova dozed back asleep.