A Court of Lost Stars-Chapter 42: Infectious Nightmares Dwell Within Insanity

Nova felt the warmth of the sunlight on her cheek before her eyes opened, and when they did, she started in a panic.

She'd slept in!

The sun had already risen, and she hadn't run her miles to the peach tree!

Just as she started to sit up, a gentle hand pressed against her shoulder, she looked up to meet a somewhat familiar face.

Madja smiled, flanked by Feyre and Rhysand – though she could hear the others at the dining table. "Be still, Nova," Madja murmured.

A shuddered breath released from her chest, but Nova lay back against the pillows. She was situated on the couch, she realized, and then the memories of yesterday came back in a rush.

"I overslept."

Madja laughed lightly, "No. You gave your body what it needed. How does your head feel?"

My head.

Nova reached up and touched the back of her head. It was tender, but the pressure didn't send thunder through her head as it had before. "Better."

"Good," Madja stared at her.

Adjusting her position on the couch, she tried not to meet Madja's eyes while pursing her lips.

"Are you hungry?" Madja finally asked, and Nova nodded, then started to get up again. This time, no one stopped her.

Looking over her shoulder, she addressed her parents. "We'll keep it simple for now. Warm oats, maybe some dry toast."

Stretching her muscles, Nova sighed with relief as she stood to her full height and looked down at herself. Dried sea salt clung to her leather.

"Nesta mentioned you wouldn't appreciate someone changing you." Madja's voice brought Nova's head back up, and she managed a small smile.

"She's right," she agreed, "Is she here?"

Rhysand pursed his lips, jaw tight as he shook his head. "She's not." He forced a small smile. "If you want to get cleaned up, we'll have something ready for you by the time you're finished."

"Oh..." Nova nodded slowly and glanced at the dining area where Cassian talked to Azriel. "She's just busy with the library, I suppose."

Rubbing the back of her neck, Nova took slow steps to the stairs and disappeared into her room. As she bathed and dressed, while keeping her headwrap dry, she couldn't dispel the gnawing sensation that something might be wrong with Nesta. It wasn't like her to not check in at least once per day, and anytime Nova had been hurt in the past, she sat by her side until the Island's healer cleared her.

So, why was she being so distant now?

"Nova!" Cassian called out from the bottom of the stairs.

Maybe she did show up.

Without wasting another minute, she tied off the last strap and went downstairs, but instead of Nesta waiting for her, it was a platter of sticky buns in Cassian's hands. Her shoulders deflated as he set them on the table.

"Peter brought them over just now. He couldn't stay, but wanted to make sure you had a chance to have one while they're warm."

Nova smiled tightly and nodded, "That's very thoughtful." She made her way to the table and sat in the chair Madja pulled out. In front of her was a bowl of oats and toast, as promised, as well as a sticky bun.

Cassian must have worn Madja down to let her have one.

"Nova?" Feyre asked as she sat. "Is everything alright?"

Nodding, Nova took a bite of toast, delaying her response as she contemplated. Was it a big deal that she wasn't around? Perhaps she was maintaining a bit of distance so that she and Feyre could bond this week. That would make sense. Not to mention, she would have missed the library all these years.

She was overthinking it, that was all.

"When can I go back to the riptide?" She asked instead.

Az and Cas chuckled as Madja released a deep sigh. "This family," she shook her head. "You're all impossible."

"Tell us what happened out there," Cassian said, folding his hands as his laughter subsided and he settled a curious gaze on her.

Nova shook her head and shrugged, "I don't know. I thought I had some control. Then it was gone. I thought I was far enough away from the rocks."

"You were."

Frowning around her bite, she reached for her water, took a sip, and tried to think back to when she went under. "I don't remember."

Az glanced around at the faces at the table and asked Nova, "Would you be alright to expand on what we talked about the other night?"

"I don't mind."

For the next few minutes, they retold the conversation the night of the bonfire, from Nova's unfortunate incident on the Island to her face-plunging habits.

Nodding with understanding, Rhysand asked, "When you go beneath the surface, what do you feel? I'm not asking what you think, but what you physically feel that isn't an emotion."

"Paralyzed." It was the best word she could come up with. "I can't move, no matter how hard I try to fight it."

Feyre furrowed her brows. "And this happens in nightmares as well as when you're in the water?"

"Not necessarily," Nova shook her head, "But it happens less when I'm consistent with my meditations."

Cassian pursed his lips. "I think we started with something too intense."

"I don't need something easier, I need realistic."

Azriel cut in as Cassian frowned, "You began your training in the beginner camp. You didn't become a Valkyrie overnight, and you're not going to face this in one session." His forehead was skewed with concern. "You're pushing yourself too hard, Nova."

Nova pursed her lips, stirring her spoon into her oats, but didn't bring it to her mouth, and was immediately grateful as Feyre changed the subject.

"Madja, how might we make these wounds less noticeable? We have plans today, and bandages aren't ideal for where we'll go."

Raising a brow, Nova glanced at her. "Where are we going?"

Biting her lip, she said, "Hewn City. The Court of Nightmares."

Nova clenched her jaw and clutched the chair as she sat in front of the bathroom mirror, watching Madja unwind and clean her wounds.

"They're healing quickly," Madja smiled reassuringly at Nova in the mirror, "I imagine you're itching to get out and about. You always were quite the adventurer."

"So I've been told." Nova returned. Chewing her lower lip, she watched Madja's careful fingers pull away dry strands of blood that had clung to her hair.

Without meeting her eyes, Madja asked, "Is there something you wish to ask me?"

How did she know?

Nova pursed her lips into a thin line, "I wondered when...if...my memories would return. I can understand childhood memories being foggy, but I was fifteen the last time I was here, and things are still pieced apart."

"Hm," Madja nodded, glancing at the mirror with a thoughtful gaze. "Your parents have mentioned your concerns about your lack of memories. They told me what they told you, and they're right. Sometimes it's best not to open old wounds."

"Okay," Nova tapped her fingers against the chair as another clump of flaky blood was pulled from her hair. "So let's say beneath the old wound, an infection sets in. Do you ignore or risk digging it out?"

Madja was silent momentarily.

Nova could see the thoughts dance across her face before slowly nodding, "If you decide to investigate the infection, I'd advise you not to do it alone."

Eyes downcast, Nova stared at a spot on the floor. Were these lost memories more valuable than the risk of obtaining them? She could delve deep in the chasm of her past and walk away renewed...or ruined. Was it worth it?

"Chin up," Madja said and Nova looked up from the floor with raised brows. "What's meant to be will be. Keep your wits about you today."

Nova frowned and furrowed her brow. She supposed the title Court of Nightmares didn't seem pleasant, but still. "Is it really so bad there?"

"Yes, it is."

A knock came at the door, which opened with a creak, and Feyre slipped through the crack before gingerly closing it behind her. "How do you feel?" She asked as she set a glass of water on the vanity.

"I feel fine." Nova forced a tight smile that didn't reach her eyes. The ache in her head was nothing compared to other injuries she'd sustained over the years.

Feyre nodded and smiled. "Good. We'll be leaving soon. Come down when you're ready, and we'll discuss a few things first."

"Discuss what, exactly?"

"Oh, nothing to worry about. Just some expectations of the area."

The area? Nova skewed her forehead, but nodded. "I'll be right down."

With a nod, Feyre moved toward the door, but paused before she reached it and looked around Nova's bedroom.

"You know, that last time you were in that chair, you were getting ready for the Winter Court Ball."

Nova glanced over at her and arched a brow. "I went to a ball?"

Grinning, Feyre nodded and leaned her back against the closed door. "Yes, you were so against it at first, but then we watched you dance under the snow..." Feyre smiled sheepishly amidst her reminiscing. "It had been a wonderful night."

Perhaps the memories were worth the risk.

It didn't take much longer for Madja to finish dressing Nova's wounds with more subtle bandages. Rather than thick white gauze around her head, she'd placed dark, stitch-like fabric against her scalp that hadn't yet healed. It looked natural enough; Nova would have to refrain from running her fingers through her hair or pulling it back. She grimaced at the thought of raking a bristled brush through and shivers raced across her skin.

By the time Madja had given her instructions for maintencnce and bidden her goodbye, Nova found herself approaching the dining table with parents, Azriel, Cassian, and Mor.

"Hey," Mor smiled as Nova sat. "I heard you had a spill yesterday. You alright?"

"I'm fine." Nova quipped, perhaps a bit too quickly.

Mor smirked and leaned back, "You really are your fathers daughter."

Before Nova could respond, Feyre cut in.

"Mor rules over the Court of Nightmares directly. Of course, we have involvement, but everything goes through her first before it comes to us." Feyre glanced at Mor to continue.

Nodding, Mor sipped a deep purple fruit juice from her glass and licked her red lips. "Has Nesta told you much about Hewn City?"

Nova slowly shook her head. Nesta didn't tell her much of anything, but then again, she'd never asked her.

"It's all been a bit strange politically for a while now," Mor's eyes were trained on Nova. "For a time, under the threat of Hybern, we maintained a ruthless demeanor. While Velaris was hidden in secret protection, the Court of Nightmares was our showcase. It was what the rest of the Courts saw. Relentless and villainous. We kept the facade until we could no longer. Now, Velaris is known to all, but the citizens of Hewn City are..." Mor paused, choosing her following words carefully. "They aren't people you should let your guard down around."

Nova arched a brow, but remained silent as Mor continued.

"While we no longer need to appear heartless enemies that no one would dare threaten, we do need to maintain our appearances to the people of Hewn City."

"Why?"

Mor paused and frowned. "Because maintaining order is in the best interest of all."

"You...mean to rule them with fear?" Nova asked, furrowing her brow with confusion. "I thought that was the opposite of what the Night Court stood for?"

Azriel and Cassian's brows raised, but Rhysand stared at his daughter with a rigid but thoughtful expression.

Smiling gently, Mor nodded. "It may seem harsh, but some people don't want to be guided with a gentle hand."

An uneasy sensation crawled across Nova's skin, as if she'd inadvertently infiltrated an ant hill. When she didn't respond, Mor nodded and leaned back in her chair.

"I know it's confusing, but you'll better understand when we arrive. The point is, while we're there, you must be careful how you present yourself..." Mor addressed Nova's features and smiled. "Though, I think you'll do just fine. Don't allow anyone to intimidate you. They will feed off of any fear you show them."

Nodding slowly, Nova's mouth suddenly felt dry.

"Don't overthink it, Nova. Just trust your instincts. If you can spend ten years with Nesta, you can handle this. It will be just fine."

Unable to hold back her smirk, Nova knew she was right. After Nesta's scrutinizing glare, nothing seemed too unbearable. Though, she'd give anything to feel that stare on her right now.

"Are we ready?" Rhysand asked.

"You know, I don't mind winnowing," Nova said as they started the path toward the mountains leading them toward the Court of Nightmares.

Feyre smiled and rolled her shoulders. "We've missed ten years of your life. Why skip opportunities to open conversations when they present themselves?"

"Hm," Nova bit back a grin, "Then what do you want to talk about?"

"Anything."

The others had walked ahead, and Nova couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Cassian shoving her father to the side after some comment he'd made. She couldn't hear it, but it must have been diabolical the way Azriel laughed.

"Like the meeting tomorrow?" Nova asked.

Feyre pursed her lips and nodded, "Do you want to talk about the meeting tomorrow?"

"Not really."

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"Then we don't have to," she smiled softly, "What about...your time at the camp? Any good memories you want to talk about?"

Reflecting on her years on the Island, Nova knew most of the memories she'd label good were when she succeeded in something she'd struggled with or when she was with Adira. Still, she wasn't sure if that was a topic she wanted to discuss anyway. She and Adira were still on a rocky path- quite frankly, Nova didn't know if she'd return to a relationship. Technically, they ended things, but then they'd said goodbye...in the bedroom.

"What's her name?" Mor asked, casually pulling up to her right.

Nova glanced over wide-eyed as a sudden swell of heat rushed into her cheeks, but Mor merely smiled. Her eyes filled with a soft comfort.

"You don't have to say, but you obviously miss someone from there."

"I'd rather not talk about it..."

Mor nodded and bit her lower lip, "Understandable." She said, exchanging a glance with Feyre before smiling. "How about tomorrow, after the meeting, we can all get together. Talk, drink, and enjoy each other's company."

"Oh, I don't drink." Nova reminded her.

"Oh, that's right. Well," she laughed lightly. "Maybe you'll want one by then."

Nova forced a small, confused laugh. "Uh, yeah...maybe."

They found things to talk about on their walk, mostly from Mor. It had been rare for Nesta to speak to Nova about anything unrelated to her training, so it was the first time she'd heard her history in detail. She'd always known Mor was her father's cousin, but that's where it ended.

Nova frowned at her, "Why do you still rule The Court of Nightmares if your father is still here?"

How could someone do that to a person?

Let alone a father to their daughter...

"It's complicated," Mor answered with a sad smile.

Nova watched Rhysand smile and laugh with her uncles. He would never do something like that to her. There wasn't time to reflect on the warmth that filled her heart as they approached the city's entrance.

The glow in her chest dampened as she took it in.

Instinctively, her features hardened at the sights and scents on their way to the palace. Was it a palace or a prison with elegant teeth? Following her family, she paused and looked over the mass collection of shadowed spires that seemed to grow from the mountainside. It was separate from where they stood, yet Nova could feel it like a pulsating energy.

"Do you have questions, Nova?" Rhysand asked gently, coming to stand by her side.

Nova glanced over at him and turned her attention to the city again. "Why does it feel..."

"Dark?" He asked and nodded. "The Fae of Hewn City live in darkness by preference. Almost anything goes within the city limits, and they all like it that way." He paused, pursing his lips into a thin, worried line, and met her eyes again. "Nova, you'll need to play a part when we enter. Here, you are the Princess of the Night Court, and those who are in attendance today will look at you as an authority. I ask you, don't give them any reason to think otherwise."

Confused, she shook her head. "I don't understand."

Smiling softly, Rhysand nodded, "You are...very much you're mother. Stubborn and passionate. I know tonight will feel like the opposite of who you are. It will feel unnatural and you'll likely hate it, but I need you to do this for me. For your safety." He touched her shoulder, boring his violet eyes into hers. "As much as I wish we didn't have to maintain the Court this way, we do. It is a necessity, and I need you to understand that. Tonight, you are going to be presented to them as what could be their potential future High Lady."

Nova blinked in surprise, and Rhysand continued, "I know Mor mentioned this earlier, but I'll repeat it. Do not give them any reason to doubt you or your power."

Nodding slowly, Nova watched as he withdrew a sparkling crown seemingly from nowhere and placed it upon his head. Next to him, Feyre did the same.

"You'll be presented with a crown tonight," Feyre said gently.

With a frown, Nova stared at them. "Why didn't you tell me your intentions of bringing me here?" Truthfully, she understood the need for some diplomacy, but why not be forthcoming about the reason for their venture?

Why did it seem they were trying to deceive her into going with them?

"Oh..." Feyre shook her head. "Nova, I'm sorry. It wasn't our intention to keep anything from you. We only didn't mention it earlier because everything will be okay. We have it under control, and we didn't want you to worry..."

"Let me worry!"

Rhysand's voice was soft silk, "Nothing could have prepared you for this, Nova."

Heat flushed Nova's face just as the guards opened the front doors, cutting off the conversation Nova wasn't finished having. Without another choice, and with Mor leading the way, Nova turned and walked with them into the shiny halls that flickered with firelight reflections from the sconces on the wall. A sudden shift happened within their group, and Nova felt it before she saw it.

Her family, usually warm and bright, appeared ready for battle. With scowls in place, she watched her parents walk with a new gait. They were no longer the kind leaders of the Court of Dreams...now, they were the ruthless rulers of the Court of Nightmares.

Nova understood now why she'd never been permitted here before. Her fifteen-year-old self wouldn't have understood the shift in gravity.

Before she knew it, they were entering what seemed a throne room where, in rows, Fae stood to...bow to her parents. Had she ever seen anyone bow to them in the Rainbow District?

Surely not.

Nova's nose wrinkled with disgust as she looked around and found many curious eyes already on her.

Rhysand announced as he prowled flawlessly with Feyre on his arm toward the three thrones at the front. While her father took the one on the left, her mother took the one on the right. Leaving the middle empty...for her?

Her eyes flitted between them as they gestured for her to take the empty throne. Cassian and Azriel flanked either side of the thrones, appearing as though they might throttle anyone who stepped out of line.

Perhaps they would.

Clenching her jaw, Nova slowly stepped forward and sank into the throne as she glared ahead. There was no need to pretend to look pissed, she was. A residual rattle of anger in her chest kept her sitting, though she clutched the armrests with more vigor than she intended.

"Tonight we present to you our daughter," Rhysand's purr grated against Nova's nerves. "Your future High Lady."

Feyre, maintaining her composure, forced herself to keep her head up. Her lips graced with a delicate smirk as she desperately clawed against Rhys' mind.

Oh, we fucked up. Mother above.

We. Fucked. Up.

Feyre. Rhys' voice came as a soft caress to calm her. Let's get through this first.

Sparing a glance at her daughter, Feyre watched her silently fume. This was precisely what Nesta had warned them against. Why hadn't they just told her? It seemed to make so much sense this morning. She'd suffered a head injury; best not to add additional stress. They should have told her.

They should have just-

"Nova," Rhysand said as he gestured for her to stand as he did, and Feyre followed suit, hands tucked neatly in front of her, smile still intact.

Nova stood as requested, but looked past his shoulder as he withdrew her crown from somewhere she didn't see and raised it in the air as those in attendance bowed. Sickness twisted her stomach as Mor bowed. Cassian. Azriel. Her mouth dried and filled with saliva again as her father placed the crown on her head. She turned her eyes on his and was met with a ferocity she'd never seen in him before.

She rivaled his gaze with her own.

As quickly as it had begun, Nova was officially presented as an authority figure to the Court of Nightmares and was well on her way to losing her lunch. The Fae in attendance dispersed and began to mingle, drinking their wine and ignoring Nova, for which she was grateful.

All except one.

Keir approached with a sideways smile, "You are the spitting image of your father."

"So I've been told," Nova grumbled, peering around the room, and caught Cas and Az watching her with secret concern.

"I've always wondered when we'd meet," Keir said, looking her over. "Though, you're not what I expected."

"And what did you expect?" Nova countered, turning her fierce gaze on him. The polite antics were over. She wanted to either run until collapsing or, at the very least, set something on fire.

Keir swallowed, seeming to bite his tongue as he forced a gracious smile. "Your highness..."

Tilting her head to the side, Nova realized very quickly she should have meditated before leaving the townhouse.

"Hello, Keir," Rhysand swooped in, as a wicked smirk carved his lips. "Did you need something?"

"Oh, just making conversation..."

Nodding, Rhysand glanced around the room, "I see that. As riveting as that conversation might be, Nova, you're needed elsewhere."

Not meeting his eyes, she looked toward the door and around the room at the small group of people. "Will no one else be attending?"

Keir scoffed, "You can't be serious."

Shifting her gaze to him, she tightened her jaw as he continued.

"No one from the streets is to be here. Keep in mind, your highness. They are beneath you."

Nova curled her lip; she wasn't sure what made her do it, but she walked toward the door and said, "Well, if I'm to meet people, I should go where people are."

"You can't possibly think you're leaving?" Keir asked, taking hold of her arm with surprise.

Coming to a stop, Nova slowly turned her head. She looked down at his hand that gripped her bulging bicep, and up at his face wearing her own incredulous mask as her father stood just within reach, crossing his arms over his chest with a raised brow.

With a light cough, Keir slowly released his fingers from her arm. "I suppose I cannot stop you..." He slowly turned to stare at Rhysand, but her father's eyes were trained on her. She didn't look, but she could feel them.

"Just know," Keir continued, "This is not Velaris. Whatever you see out there cannot be unseen."

How ominous, Nova thought as she continued forward.

The crowd parted for her, but she didn't miss her father's low voice behind her as he said, "Touch my daughter again and your hands will sink to the bottom of the Sidra."

Nova ignored it.

Protection didn't come from mediocre threats.

With the door closed behind her, Nova could finally drop her shoulders. She sighed as she walked the stone path from the Moonstone Palace toward the city. It was still the afternoon, and yet everything seemed so bleak. Perhaps the people here simply enjoyed living here; who was she to say they didn't?

If she could, she'd live in the forest, yet another person might think she'd be insane to want that for a home.

Freedom looked different to everyone, so maybe...maybe they were perfectly content here, she thought as buildings grew on either side of her and the stench of alcohol and stale urine smacked her in the face. Keeping her expression placid, Nova continued forward, taking to the cobblestone streets that weaved through the homes that seemed to be built haphazardly one on top of the other. It wasn't until she ventured further that the sounds of citizens mixed with the vile scent of waste.

They had plumbing, didn't they?

From all over, Fae crowded the highly congested areas. They hung from windows, gathered in alleyways, and sat in the streets laughing and drinking. However, not all of it was laughter. Some screamed profanities as others threw fists and bottles.

"Well, would you look at that one..." A dark voice purred from the lip of one of the alleys.

Turning to look, Nova watched a male standing with two others look her up and down while licking his lips. He was handsome, as a Fae was, but dishelved in attire with smudges against his high cheekbones.

"I think I should get the first taste." He chuckled.

Nova scanned him for a moment longer before turning to continue. She wouldn't see all of the city if she were distracted.

"You know what I would love?" His voice was now at her side, and Nova raised a brow, turning toward him to find he stood directly next to her. "To put my face between your legs." He pressed against her, as if trying to back her up against the brick wall beside her.

Looking down at him, Nova narrowed her eyes, not moving an inch from where she stood despite the effort he put into trying to move her. Taking a step forward, he stumbled past where he'd been pushing against her and tripped over the curb, smashing his face against the wall.

His friends chortled behind him as he groaned, but the noise of the street crowd already covered Nova as she moved on. The Hewn City certainly wasn't the Rainbrow District, but she hadn't expected it to be.

Stopping short of another alley, she was greeted with the sounds of frantic, pleasured moaning. Looking to her left, she watched two male fae entering the same female simultaneously. Nova tilted her head, watching with confused fascination. Were they both using the same hole, or...she tilted her head a little further, nearly watching them upside down.

Oh, yes, two separate, it seemed.

"Are you enjoying the show?" A rough chuckle brought Nova's attention back to the streets.

Looking up, she laid eyes on another male Fae. Unlike the others, his eyes were clear and his face clean. The stubble that colored his dark cheeks made him seem older than the others she'd met. Perhaps he was.

He chuckled and nodded to a dim light across the street, "Come on. The streets aren't for someone like you, Princess."

Nova frowned in confusion and watched his eyes dart to something above her head. The weight of the crown she wore was sudden, and she reached up to yank it off her head, ignoring the stinging pull of the wounds on her scalp.

"Palace life not treating you well, Princess?"

Nova looked up and scowled.

Putting his hands up in defense, he chuckled low in his throat. "I'm Atlas. You're welcome to join us if you'd like." Turning on his heels, he retreated to the other side of the street and ducked into the glowing hallway, leading into a worn, but otherwise upright building.

She glanced up and down the street and pursed her lips. The decision was simple: She should keep walking and see as much of the city as she could before returning, but then again...

With her curiosity winning over rational thought, Nova crossed the narrow street and slipped into the hall where a peeling paint door greeted her. It seemed someone had tried to make it look more presentable, but presentable quickly turned into a target in a place like this.

Unsure of what else to do, Nova knocked.

A moment later, the door swung open, and there stood Atlas. He wore a knowing smirk as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"I thought you might, Princess."

"Don't call me that."

Grinning, Atlas stepped aside. "My apologies. Come in, please."

It was like walking through a portal; the contrast was so different. The walls were painted a light, sandy color, almost like a beach, and upon them were drawings. A child's drawings. Animals, rainbows, and flowers littered the walls like a continuous mural. People, too, Nova noticed—a family. Drawn as stick-figures holding hands in various locations.

"What is going on, Atlas?" A woman with curly red hair walked out from what Nova could only assume was the kitchen, holding a bowl and stirring something viscous.

The woman's eyes looked her over with disdain, as if waiting for an answer. "Well?" She asked.

Raising her brows, she glanced at Atlas before looking at her. "Nova?"

"Are you sure?" She asked, continuing to stir.

Glaring, Nova set her shoulders. "Yes." Frowning, she allowed her eyes to roam over her, but stopped at the sight of her ears. "You're human?"

"Well spotted."

Atlas sighed, "Sheila..." But before he could continue, Sheila turned and disappeared into the kitchen. "Don't mind her," he chuckled, though his fond laugh didn't reach his eyes. "She's just not happy when I invite guests over."

"Why?"

Gesturing for her to take a seat, Atlas sat on one of the well-worn couches. When she did, he said, "You don't know much about Hewn City, do you?"

Nova slowly shook her head, "I...came to learn."

He studied her with thoughtful, golden eyes and scratched his chin. "Hm, well, Hewn City isn't like what you've known in Velaris, which I'm sure you've caught onto. The Fae here don't take kindly to others taking residence here. Any found are...disposed of."

"Killed?" Nova asked, blinking wildly as she looked to the open kitchen door. "I don't understand."

"Neither do I." He chuckled, and she returned her attention to him. "I'm surprised they let you walk the streets for as long as you did. They don't take kindly to people from Velaris entering their city."

"I thought the people here were allowed to go to Velaris?"

Atlas grunted, but smiled, "Sure, we have permission, but everyone knows what happens when anyone finds the gall to go."

Frowning, Nova studied him, waiting for him to elaborate.

Smiling kindly, he leaned forward and nodded, "Those in Velaris are, I'm sure, very kind...to you."

A sinking sensation entered Nova's chest as she sat back. She would never have thought the bright, shiny faces of Velaris would treat others poorly. Ana had spoken so highly of their kindness and acceptance of her when she'd traveled over the wall. They'd sheltered her, offered her aid.

"Don't take it so hard," he chuckled. "We know our place."

"Oh, yes," Sheila chimed bitterly as she emerged, bowless. "We know our place alright. The shit on your shoe."

"Now, Sheila..." Atlas frowned.

"Don't now Sheila me. Why did you bring her back here?" She asked, lip curling into a snarl. "What if she tells them?"

"I wouldn't..."

"Nobody asked you."

Nova raised her brows and pursed her lips as she raged on. "I never see the light of day because it's too dangerous, and you bring a stranger in? Oh? He didn't tell you?" She asked, wearing a sardonic grin. "Well, if he's out here airing my panties, I might as well say it. Guess who's never set foot from this house?" Sheila raised her hand. "If you guessed me, you'd be right."

"Nineteen years," she scoffed, "Nineteen years of just this." She gestured around the room. "But you, Miss Court of Dreams. Go back up to your shiny Rainbow streets where you belong and leave the rest of us alone. Pretending to care doesn't help anyone."

"Now, that's enough," Atlas said, his voice firmer now, and it was enough for Sheila to retreat, while grumbling, into the kitchen.

Nova knew she probably should leave, but she couldn't help but look around the room at the walls again. "Did she draw these?"

Smiling sadly, Atlas nodded. "What she says is true. She's not left these walls since she was an infant," he pursed his lips and narrowed a gaze on her. "As I tell you this, I need to know you'll take my next words to heart."

Nova searched his eyes with a frown.

"She and her mother were dragged into the city to be publicly tortured and executed as entertainment."

The blood drained from Nova's face.

"While they tormented her mother, I managed to steal her away," Atlas swallowed, his hands running over his shaved head. "I've kept her safe here, but she is right...pretending to care doesn't help anyone."

"You don't think I care?"

Atlas studied her for a long moment, "I think my heart had a twinge of hope seeing someone from the Inner Circle walking through the slums with curiosity and not disgust. You are the lost babe from the days of Hybern, yes? You are the future of these Courts, and if I can reach even just one person of power...one person who can make a difference, then I'll have honored Sheila, her mother, and all those who this city has victimized."

Sitting back against the couch, Nova didn't drop her gaze. "Will you tell me more?"

Before Nova was aware, an hour had passed, and she was soon standing. Walking toward the door, her mind reeled with new information. She'd need time to process it, but she had intentions.

"Leaving so soon?" Sheila asked from the kitchen doorway, arms crossed and hip cocked.

Nova bit her lip and nodded, "I'll be back."

"I'm so sure."

Glancing at Atlas, who offered a small smile, Nova nodded in his direction before leaving the home and entering the city streets. It smelled just as vulgar before, but she wondered if she was getting used to the foul stench.

"There she is!" The same voice from before called out. Nova glanced over her shoulder at the three males approaching her, and she turned so as not to keep her back to them. "We've been looking for you!"

The one she'd let smash himself into the wall was the first to move closest. She wasn't sure what to expect, but she was certain it wasn't to feel his hand cup between her legs.

"Feels good, doesn't it, sweetheart?" He asked as he squeezed.

Eyes widening, Nova clenched her thighs and took a step back before snatching his wrist in a fist. Quick as a flash, she rotated his arm backward, but didn't stop there as his shoulder dislocated from its socket, and he let out a wailing screech.

"Bitch!"

Using her other hand, she wrapped her fingers around his throat and slammed him against the brick of the building. She ignored the jab of her crown against her ribs on the inside of her jacket as she pressed her thumb against his airway. Silently, she watched his vision become clouded before he lost consciousness. Pulling her hand away, he fell to the ground.

Nova waited a moment, watched him breathe, and turned to look at the other two, who stared, but didn't approach. How many others were grabbed and touched and forced into things they didn't want to do?

How many people in this city were like Atlas and Sheila?

Who just wanted out?

"I'll be back." Nova snarled at the onlookers before stalking out of the city, burdened with a new mission.

Bypassing the Palace, Nova had continued the trek back through the mountains and toward the townhouse. By the time she arrived, she was slightly less irritated, though she was sure it would return with vigor when she saw her family again.

As she reached for the door, she looked down at the front step and frowned. Glancing over her shoulder, Nova could only assume it had been left on purpose. She leaned down and picked it up, and her eyes widened.

It was a simple ceramic vase with a thin neck and bulbous base. Bluebell flowers spilled from the top, and Nova was greeted with their sweet aroma. Smiling, she pressed her nose against one of the petals and inhaled.

While her nose was busy indulging in a fragrance that wasn't piss in the gutter, she spied the edges of a card between the stems. Withdrawing it with careful fingers, she read it.

I hope you're feeling better.

Peter.

Warmth embraced Nova's cheeks and belly as she entered the townhouse. The heat she felt now differed from what she'd felt in the palace a few hours ago. How was it one simple gesture could take away the ache in her chest?

Or rather, how could one person soothe that ache...

Practically floating up the stairs to her room, Nova placed the vase on her dresser and stared at it with her hands on her hips. Unsatisfied, she picked it up and put it on her bedside table.

Just as she admired the delicate blue of the petals, the front door opened and closed. Sighing, she shook her head and glanced at her reflection. She didn't want to have this conversation. Not now anyway.

As her door opened, she removed the crown from her jacket and set it on the vanity with much less care than the vase. Feyre, brow furrowed in what could be considered a glare if she weren't so worried, stared at her from the doorway. "Where have you been?"

"Me?" Nova asked, leaning against the vanity's edge.

"Don't, Nova. Now isn't that time."

Nodding slowly, she tilted her head. "I'm sorry...did I not tell you I was leaving? Well, I didn't want you to worry."

"That is not fair." Feyre retorted, tears stinging her eyes.

"You're right," Nova nodded, jaw tight. "It's not fair. It's not fair that you ask me to trust you, to have faith in you, then proceed to manipulate me."

"That wasn't..."

"I don't care what your intentions are. I will not be part of it."

A steady silence of tension grew between them as Nova finally sighed and shook her head. "You are all trying so hard to protect me, but I don't need your protection right now. I need your support."

Feyre took a shaky breath and released it. "Please come downstairs, and we can talk and..."

"No."

Feyre blinked, deflating, but Nova shook her head.

"I'll be here. Meditating and mentally preparing for tomorrow."

"I'm so sorry, Nova."

Nodding slowly, Nova pursed her lips. "I'd like to be alone, please."

"Of course..." Feyre murmured with soft defeat, eyes downcast as she turned, hesitated, and closed the door behind her. It took every bit of herself to keep the tears from falling as she joined the others downstairs.

They looked up expectantly, and she shook her head.

"She just needs some time," Rhys said, taking her hand in his.

She shook her head, "How could we have been so ignorant? We've been slowly gaining her trust, and then we don't tell her she's being crowned at an event in front of witnesses? I don't even have an excuse. Not a proper one."

"This is a learning curve for everyone, Feyre, darling..."

"It shouldn't be this difficult. Yes, she is our child, but we keep getting stuck in treating her as that. A child. She can know things now, yet we keep avoiding all topics that might be upsetting, and for what? Ourselves. She knows about tomorrow. She knows everything will change for her, for all of us, and yet she's more emotionally adjusted than any of us. Hell, we were better parents to her back when she didn't talk and was shitting on the floor."

Everyone was quiet.

What more could they say? Everything Feyre said was true.

"This might be her last night here, and we've chased her away." Feyre croaked as tears cascaded down her cheeks. "I've chased her away..."

Upstairs, sitting on the edge of her bed with her hands on her knees and feet flat on the floor, Nova allowed her mind to enter a state of meditation. She didn't know what tomorrow would hold.

She needed to be ready.

Just as she started to find that peaceful place, those piercing blue eyes gazed on her, sending rakes of cold shivers down her back. Shuddering, Nova steeled herself, forcing her body to relax again.

"It's been a while," she murmured, staring into the ball of ice-covered static. This time, however, she knew what to do. Using warm fingers, she gingerly untangled the ball and breathed warmth into its darkness. "What has you so fearful tonight?"

The ball of light beneath the icy armor was easier to find this time, but it still shuddered and shook even as she pulled it close.

Don't be afraid...I am here.

The ball slowly calmed until it was a simple glowing orb, relaxed in her hold. As the glow drifted away, Nova watched it fade entirely before opening her eyes to her dark room. Smiling, she stood to her feet.

"Perhaps I'll never know what that is."

Dressing down, she washed her face, checked her head wound, and climbed under the covers. Today didn't go as planned, yet somehow she felt everything that had happened was meant to. There would come a day she'd make a difference for people like Atlas and Sheila.

She had to believe that.

Nova rested her head on her pillow and gazed at the vase of bluebells on her bedside table, admiring the soft shades as sleep gradually pulled her under, thrusting her into a vicious nightmare she wouldn't remember by morning.