When Nova finally fell quiet, when the last of her words left the air aching between them, Rex held her for a second longer.
He exhaled and said, "Well, that was a lot more tragic than I was expecting when I chased you halfway up a mountain."
Nova let out a quiet, watery laugh, head still down.
Rex said, bumping his knee against hers. "That was a queen reciting her war log. A little doom, a little destiny, some light soul-severing heartbreak — really the full menu."
She huffed, not quite a smile, but closer now.
He sobered slightly. "Let me start with Jax. I know he's been cold. He's trying not to make it harder on you. But believe me, Nova — he felt that bond break. He was wrecked. I think the only reason he's still breathing is because his instincts are telling him you're okay, even if his heart hasn't caught up."
She looked at him then, her voice barely audible. "He's been so... distant. I used to tell him everything. Now it's like we're strangers. I don't know what I expected."
Rex gave her a sideways look. "You ever had an ex instantly start dating your best friend and move into your war camp?"
Nova blinked at him. "What?"
"Exactly," Rex said, grinning. "It's awkward, it's messy, and it makes you reevaluate every life decision you've ever made. Trust me. I've seen the way he watches you when he thinks no one's looking. Doesn't exactly scream 'indifference.'"
Nova's laugh slipped out, and this time, it was real. Rex grinned wider and shook his head.
He tapped a knuckle against her shoulder gently. "But in all seriousness, breaking a matebond? That's not just hard — that's impossible for most. You did it with integrity, even though it tore you apart. You walked through fire for someone else's happiness. That's not something to be ashamed of. That's legend-worthy. That's a wound most never recover from. You didn't just survive it—you carried yourself through it with grace."
"And as for Fin…" Rex continued, more biting now, "If he didn't claim you when he had the chance, he's a bloody idiot. No offense."
He looked at her, eyes narrowing like he was studying a puzzle. "You are—without a doubt—the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. That's the easy part to notice. But it took me, what—five minutes of listening to you speak to realize it's your mind that makes you one in a million. That's what makes you a queen."
Nova blinked, surprised.
"How he managed to stay away from you for months is the real question." Rex said, shaking his head.
He went on, "You commanded a room full of Alphas. The ones that are still alive, anyways—may they rest in pieces," he added dryly, earning another soft laugh from her.
"You think Onyx bonded to you by accident?" Rex said, leaning forward. "He's the strongest dragon in our entire fleet. He doesn't just take a liking to anyone. He chose you. He saw your soul."
She looked toward the fire, swallowing.
"And that bridge stunt? Insane. Wildly dangerous. Reckless. Absolutely genius. I mean, honestly — a terrible, brilliant idea. Worked like a charm. I had half a mind to write a song about it."
"'Queen, Bridge, and the Army.' Instant classic." he grinned.
She gave him a mock glare and laughed, "You're an idiot."
"I wasn't going to let you fall, you know," he added, more gently now. "Not then. Not now. Not ever."
Silence bloomed again, but it was warm this time. Safe.
"For someone pretending to be a queen," Rex continued, voice low, "you're damn good at it."
He looked at her, more serious now. "You're sharp. Too sharp for most. You observe everything, you absorb faster than a room full of generals. And when you speak, you deliver gold."
Nova's throat tightened.
"Rising from slave to queen?" he said, with a grin. "That's the most badass thing about you. Slave to a queen who had the Alphas of Varos bending a knee four days into being crowned. You'd never been to war, and you saved the armies yesterday. You saved us. My father was watching yesterday. He said it was one of the greatest displays of courage he'd ever seen. And I agree. I was proud of you. Damn proud."
She blinked hard. He didn't look away.
"Fin had no right to talk to you like that. Yeah, sure—he was worried. So were we. But what did he expect? You're queen now. You did what queens do — you made a call and you saved lives. If there's ever a handbook on how to lead under fire, it'll be written after you, Nova. Page one: Jumping off bridges is optional."
Nova gave a small, breathy laugh, the first that didn't sound like it hurt.
"It is an honor to have you in my life." He said with a warm smile.
"That is kind of you, Rex." Nova said, swallowing.
Rex smiled, tapping her knee. "Come on," he said, rising to his feet and offering her his hand. "There's something I want to show you."
She looked up at him, hesitant.
"No more firelight confessions tonight," he added with a wink. "Just a view."
She took his hand.
And let him lead her toward whatever horizon waited beyond the cave mouth.