For a moment, with laughter echoing off the walls, they forgot the weight on their shoulders. It felt like home—like family. For the first time in a long time, it felt right.
But the warmth didn't last. Reality crept back in like a cold draft under the door. The laughter faded, replaced by quiet understanding. It was mid-morning. Nova still had to mark Fin before sunset. And somewhere out there, an emergency council meeting was looming—one that hadn't even been called yet.
Fin was quiet, his fingers tracing the hilt of her dagger. It hadn't registered until now, but he realized her weapon looked like a union of his sword and Jax's.
He glanced at Nova, who hadn't seemed to notice. Before he could say anything, a soft knock broke the stillness.
"Nova?" A knock came from the bedroom door, and a soft, timid voice. It was Marra.
The room stilled.
Nova stood without hesitation, the others watching her and walked out of the study and into the bedroom quarters, to the door Marra had knocked from.
The fact that Marra had come to the Alpha's floor—let alone knocked on his personal quarters—said everything. Trained as she was in etiquette and palace customs, she wouldn't have taken such a bold step unless it truly mattered.
Nova opened the door to find Marra standing there, eyes steady with resolve. Something inside Nova stirred. Marra was good and Nova felt it in her core. She would get to the bottom of this.
"Hello Marra," she greeted softly, offering a warm smile.
"I'm so sorry to disturb you," Marra said quickly, eyes dropping. "But… could I have a word with you? Just for a moment."
"You're not disturbing me," Nova assured her. "You're always welcome here."
"I had some tea prepared," Marra added. "I promise, it'll be quick."
Nova hesitated, glancing back toward the study. There was still so much left to do—but something told her this mattered. Her instincts never lied.
"Of course." She said, and exited the room.
Marra offered a small smile, grateful, and the two of them disappeared down the corridor—leaving behind a room full of people with weapons on the table, and too many unspoken questions in the air.
Nova followed Marra through the main palace to a room she'd only visited once or twice before. It was two stories tall, with a ceiling and walls made entirely of glass. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and lush greenery. At the center stood a towering tree, its branches stretching toward the ceiling like it belonged there. The space was beautiful—peaceful in a way that stirred something soft inside her. Nova made a mental note to return more often.
A fire crackled in a stone hearth set into the only solid wall, the one adjoining the castle. Outside, snow drifted down despite the calendar promising spring, and the overcast sky muted the light that filtered into the room.
Back in the study, the others had begun following at a distance. Fin and Jax tried to insist it wasn't necessary, but their objections went mostly unheard.
"Please, sit with me," Marra said gently, gesturing to a cushioned bench near the fire. Nova joined her.
"After Michael died," Marra began softly, "I started having trouble. This tea helped me. It's nothing like a tonic—just calming. Clearer thoughts. Gentle." She smiled faintly. "I showed my omega how to make it. If you like it, I'll teach yours."
"Thank you, Marra. That's very kind," Nova said, settling in. She accepted the cup as it was poured, and took a sip. Warmth bloomed in her chest almost instantly, and a surprising clarity settled in her mind—quiet, focused, light.
"The trick is emberleaf," Marra explained. "Blended with a few calming herbs. It sharpens everything but doesn't make you drowsy."
"I love it," Nova said with a soft smile.
Nova tried to steady her voice. "Marra, I wanted to say… I'm sorry I didn't come to find you sooner. It's just—" Her words caught, her throat tightening unexpectedly. She paused, mouth still open, but no words followed. She closed it again and looked away, taking a slow breath, willing herself to continue. But nothing came.
Above them on the second floor, Fin's wolf whimpered in his mind. He stood, hidden in the shadows listening. These had been some of the happiest days of his life—having Nova by his side—and yet, for her, they were wrapped in pain. He knew that. But watching her struggle to speak… it pierced something deep inside him.
"Nova, please don't apologize. You've had so much to carry. I'm just grateful you agreed to meet me now. I wanted to come to you sooner, but I wasn't sure if my presence would upset you." She hesitated, then added, "There are a few things I need to tell you."
"Your presence could never upset me," Nova said, voice stronger now. "You can come to me anytime, Marra. We were once friends and I still consider us friends. This wasn't your fault and I don't resent you. You've handled this with nothing but grace." Nova said, meaning every word.
A tear slipped down Marra's cheek. She looked at Nova with wide, grateful eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. "T-thank you."
She wiped at her face and cleared her throat, then offered a small, teasing grin. "Thank you… my queen."
Nova choked a little on her tea. That was going to take some getting used to. Marra giggled softly and drew a deep breath, steeling herself.
"Some of what I am about to tell you, would warrant my death in Bloodmoon if our elders found out. I feel I can trust you. Actually I know I can." Marra said.
Nova swallowed and looked at Marra curiously, as she lowered her cup.
Marra took a steadying breath, then began.
"Let me start with Michael," she said softly. "He was the Beta of Redmoon and we loved so deeply that when he was away, we would dream of each other… speak through them, feel each other. It was rare. Sacred."
Her voice wavered, and Nova could feel the pain stirring behind her calm.
"I was with a child, not yet showing. Then, one morning in the dead of winter… I felt the bond snap."
She closed her eyes, a single tear trailing down her cheek.
"His death was painful and I wanted to die. It was like my soul shattered. But I chose to continue with the pain because of our child. Just a few months after his funeral, I lost the child."
Nova's breath hitched.
She swallowed, and her voice cracked. "I left for Bloodmoon, my home, but there was no peace in Redmoon when everything reminded me of Michael. My father and brother forbade anyone from speaking of it—afraid it would ruin my chances of being chosen again, or of ever finding happiness."
Nova's throat tightened as Marra's eyes glistened.
"I was planning to end my life." Her words trembled. "But Michael came to me in my dream once more, and made me promise to try for him. Fight for him. Don't give up. And I gave him my word I would."
Nova stood up and crossed the space between them, wrapping Marra in a quiet, steady embrace. She knelt beside her chair, resting her hand gently on Marra's shoulder.
"I'm so sorry, Marra," Nova whispered, eyes now welling. "You are incredibly brave. Truly. I'm honored you trusted me with this."
Marra's lips trembled. She nodded, then smiled through her tears.
"T-thank you, Nova." Her voice was raw.
Nova nodded, wiping away a tear that had fallen down her own face. She looked at Marra with concern.
"That's kind of you." Marra said.
"I remember you as a little girl," Marra said gently. "You were beautiful, though I doubt you knew it—your sweetness overshadowed any vanity. You were observant, intelligent, quiet… You watched the world closely and understood things. But you were not treated kindly. I witnessed things done to you that still haunt me. It enraged me then, and it makes my blood boil now."
Marra shook her head as if trying to get the memory out of her mind.
"My father was furious too. He loved your mother even after she didn't choose him. You are pure like her and never meant to endure such cruelty."
Nova swallowed hard, her gaze fixed on the tea in her hands. She drew in a slow breath, trying to suppress the tremor creeping into her chest. Those memories were buried deep for a reason. When they surfaced, they brought with them the threat of a panic attack—and she could already feel the familiar tension curling in her gut.
Fin felt it through the bond. Instinctively, he sent a wave of love and calm washing over her, grounding her. Nova took a deep breath, relief escaping her on the exhale. He was so good at that. She wondered if he felt it from their quarters or if he was nearby.
Marra's voice softened further. "The truth is, there's a reason I came to Shadowclaw. I hesitated—I wasn't sure if I should. But I had a dream about you. Vivid. Unmistakable. And when I dream like that, it always comes to pass."