A few hours later, Nova stirred.
She felt arms wrapped around her—strong and steady. A scent filled the air: golden ember, crisp pine, and the faint, salty whisper of the ocean. She recognized it. It felt like home. But she hadn't expected it.
It was Rex.
He held her tightly. Her head rested against his chest. She lay on the softest bed she'd ever known.
The comfort was overwhelming. She wondered why this felt so natural. Rex had always been her friend. They shared Onyx. He'd been respectful. Loyal. Supportive.
She didn't question the closeness. She assumed it was just him caring—like a friend would.
She opened her eyes, blinking into the dim glow of the chamber. Just a little disoriented.
"Hey… you're awake," Rex said, his grip not loosening—in fact, he pulled her closer. Her legs slotted between his like they belonged there.
"Thought I'd have to start singing to wake you up. Tragic for both of us." He said grinning.
"If you'd tried, I would have died." Nova said hoarsely back. He laughed at that.
"I heard you got into a little squabble with your adopted brother or something," Rex said with a smirk.
"Rex!" Nova groaned, swatting him playfully.
He let go of her and sat up. "I am under strict orders to make you drink this. Just a heads up—I tried it. It tastes like swamp water mixed with regret."
Nova took the cup and sipped. Not bad at all. She wondered how Rex would survive Elias's tonics if this was his threshold.
When she'd finished, he took the glass from her, setting it on the side table, then gently felt her forehead.
"No fever," he said, more to himself than her. "That's a good sign."
"Where did you send Ashbane?" he asked casually, though Nova could see the flicker of curiosity behind his golden eyes.
Nova blushed, which melted something in Rex's chest.
"The war summit grounds," she whispered.
"Nova!" Rex gasped, grinning wide. "You bad girl."
He lunged and fake-tackled her back onto the bed. She burst out laughing, the sound echoing like sunlight through the quiet room.
"We're in Redmoon?" she asked, surprised.
"Yes," he said simply. No elaboration.
"How did we end up here?"
"There were a lot of dark mages in Bloodmoon. Hyran brought a fleet of our mages to back up the defense. Fin and Jax stayed with Aeron. I've been getting updates—it's under control."
Then he added with a crooked smirk, "Oh, and apparently, without you channeling into me, my sword is about as useful as a butter knife."
Nova's worried expression deepened. Rex sighed softly.
"Before you even think of going off to fight there," he said, tone firm but gentle, "I need to show you something."
That pulled her attention.
"Are you sure they're alright?" Nova asked, voice tight with concern.
"Yes," Rex answered. "I'll tell you if I thought otherwise."
Nova nodded slowly but her eyes remained clouded with worry.
"Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?" Rex asked, looking into her eyes.
Nova shook her head.
"I promise. If they need you—if we need to go—then we'll go together."
Nova took a breath. "Is Elle alright?" she asked, remembering she was there too.
"Yes. Alejandro patched her up, and her mate hasn't left her side since. I think they're down by the dragons now," Rex said, then smirked. "Though, he's a little salty you made a portal and ditched him before the chaos kicked off. Said something about betrayal."
Nova's expression faltered. "Elle and I saw him die there… in a few visions," she whispered, guilt creeping in.
Rex nodded, grinning. "You made that portal with a face of stone. Meanwhile I was trying not to laugh."
Nova grabbed a pillow and smacked him with it, and his laughter broke free.
He offered his hand and helped her to her feet.
He led her out into the hall, past rows of paintings and grand tapestries, then pulled her gently behind one.
"Nova… how did you know about that passage—to the throne room? Here and in Bloodmoon?" he asked, still holding her hand as they walked.
Nova laughed first. "Rex, I have no idea."
He stopped, gaze steady. "You have no idea, and yet you just know?"
She met his eyes. "Yes… I keep getting this sensation, like a memory trying to surface but never quite does. I felt like I lived here once."
She paused, surprised at how easily she'd admitted it.
He nodded and continued walking, gently holding her hand. He had felt that exact sensation from her many times—and for the first time, he knew exactly what it meant.
"When I met you for the first time, at the War Summit," Rex said, voice low. "I had that feeling."
He gave a grin, a little sheepish. "I had it again the next morning. When Onyx—our fierce dragon who was supposed to impress the queen. But instead, acted like a damn puppy when he saw you."
Nova laughed, the sound warm.
"Did you get that feeling when you saw him for the first time?" Rex asked as they walked.
"Yes," Nova replied.
"If I'm ever there and you get that feeling again," he said with a mischievous grin, "will you tell me?"
"I'll try," Nova said back—grinning right along with him.
"Nova…" Rex said in a serious whisper, halting in his tracks. His arm extended in front of her, a silent barrier between them and what lay beyond.
He looked at her, his face grim.
"How the hell did you identify those seven traitors in an army of ten thousand?"
"Rex! You almost gave me a heart attack!" she blurted out. But his sternness cracked—just a bit—and it made her start to laugh.
"In my dream… the captain and commander were unmasked and…" Her voice trailed off as she watched the pained look on Rex's face.
"I'm really sorry, Rex." she whispered, without thinking, and hugged him tightly. He needed it. And she knew it.
He hugged her back.
"It's okay, Nova. I asked."
He held her for a beat longer, then stepped back slightly and asked,
"No—but seriously. Were the others unmasked and you saw their faces and remembered all of them?"
She shook her head once, softly.
"No… they were masked. I got their scents," she said quietly.
"I knew it!" he said, a grin breaking through. "Hyran said you got their faces. But I saw you sniffing," he added with a laugh.
"Here we are." He pushed open the door.