Chapter 12: The Velvet Gown - How the Stars Fall

“Are you going to talk to me at all today?” Ryker asked from his spot behind her.

The forest was calm, bathed in the soft light of early morning, with the air still heavy from the night’s storm. Droplets of water clung to every leaf and branch, glistening like tiny jewels in the fresh light of dawn. The scent of damp earth and pine hung in the air, rich and clean. Puddles gathered in the dips of the forest floor, reflecting the silver sky above. The trees, once swayed violently by the wind, now stood still, their leaves and needles dripping softly to the ground. Charlie’s hooves squelched against the sodden terrain.

Nova had woken early that morning to pack her bed and get breakfast over and done with, just wanting to get on the road. These humans were too exhausting to understand with all their emotions. Especially Ryker.

If only she could talk to her sisters. Surely, they could see what she was currently enduring. No wonder humans struggled. Life on Earth was beautiful, but it was also chaotic.

She’d experienced the rage of nature, the brutal hand of a greedy king. Being chased through streets and shot at by arrows. Yet, on the other hand, she’d tasted the sweetness of nature and its beautiful flora. She’d met people whose laughter could change someone’s day. Then there was Ryker, the male with the body like a god. Brown eyes that took her thoughts to places they probably shouldn’t go, and a smile that set her soul alight when he decided to use it.

It was a lot to process, so she’d quietly kept to herself. Obviously, Ryker had noticed her silence.

“What would you like to talk about?” she replied.

As he shifted his grip on the reins, his arms grazed the sides of her waist, sending a warm thrill through her body. She closed her eyes, savouring the brief touch.

“We could talk about last night?” he suggested.

Nova sighed. If she was honest, she hadn’t stopped thinking about it. Not about the way he’d easily thrown her over his shoulder and marched her right back into the cave like she was a feather in the wind.

She certainly hadn’t forgotten how she felt when she ripped the arrow from his flesh or the pain that had flashed in his eyes.

“Was there something in particular you would like to talk about?”

“I’d like to apologise,” Ryker answered softly.

The gentleness and endearment in his voice tugged on an invisible thread inside Nova’s chest and she instantly needed to feel his warmth. Settling back against him, she spoke. “Go on . . .”

Ryker sighed. “I am sorry for last night. Storms bring back certain memories and seeing you out in the middle of it triggered me.”

“Do you want to talk about those memories?” Nova asked softly.

Ryker shifted in the saddle. “I’d rather not . . .”

Nova nodded. Perhaps the pain was too much right now. Though she couldn’t help but wonder who or what brought about such a deep wound inside his chest. Hopefully, he would share his past with her when he was ready. For now, she would leave it be.

Ryker shifted behind her. “Are you missing home yet?” His voice held a touch of compassion.

Nova shrugged. “I haven’t decided.”

She could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke. “That’s a feeling I know well.”

“Is it? You don’t talk about your family too much. It must be lonely being a bounty hunter?”

Ryker hesitated. “My parents live in Sunriver, along with my sister and her husband. It’s true I don’t get to see them often. A lot of my work keeps me closer by the palace.”

Nova glanced over her shoulder. “Is that why you own a cabin near the castle?”

Ryker nodded, his warm brown eyes catching hers. Nova’s heart leapt, and she blushed beneath his gaze.

She cleared her throat, turning to face the direction they were headed. “Do you miss them?”

“My family?”

Nova nodded at his question.

“Yes, I guess I do. I write them every month.”

“I’m sure they miss you.” Nova softly added.

Ryker chuckled from behind her, and Nova grinned at the sound. She wished she could trap it and play it over and over. Because his laughter was few and far between. “I doubt it. I’m sure they are thankful my grumpy ass isn’t around for them to look at.”

Nova tipped her head back and let the early morning sun warm her face. “You’re only grumpy sometimes.”

“Hang around me long enough and I think you’ll change your mind,” Ryker stated.

“Don’t tempt me with a good time.” Nova turned to glance over her shoulder, grinning as she did so.

Ryker lifted a brow, but a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Her gaze lingered on him for a moment. “What if I didn’t go home?” she murmured.

The muscular arms wrapped around her tightened. “You don’t want to?”

Nova shrugged. “I don’t know.”

A soft breeze blew over them, twisting knots into Nova’s glimmering white hair. Each strand glittering like silver spider silk. She caught a piece between her fingers, twirling it around. There were definitely moments when she wished to return to Ara, then there were moments like right now. Sitting close to Ryker, on top of a horse, travelling through lush forests as they danced with the wind.

She brushed the thoughts aside. “So, who is this friend you are taking us to?”

“His name is Chester.”

“And you think Chester can help me get to Ara?” Nova asked.

“I don’t know. But given his line of work, he’d be the first person I would ask.”

“What does Chester do?”

Ryker eased Charlie to the right as the ground beneath them became rocky and unstable. “He’s a historian. He might know something about the star that fell one hundred years ago.”

Before Nova could respond, Charlie’s weight shifted, and Nova nearly fell over the horse’s head to the ground below. Ryker reigned in the stallion, dismounting swiftly to inspect the issue.

“He’s thrown a shoe,” he muttered, running a hand down Charlie’s leg.

“What does that mean? Is he okay?” Nova asked. It certainly didn’t sound comfortable.

Ryker gave Charlie a reassuring pat on the rump. “He’ll be fine, but we’ll need to stop in town to get it fixed. I was hoping to avoid any more public places, but it looks like we don’t have much of a choice.”

Ryker ran a hand through his inky black hair and sighed. “We’re going to have to walk the rest of the way. I don’t want to damage his foot with our weight.”

“I would love to stretch my legs anyway,” Nova answered happily as she slid from Charlie’s back.

Ryker agreed, and the pair set off on foot.

* * *

The hood from the grey woollen cloak Ryker snatched for her sat low over Nova’s white gleaming hair. She leaned against the building’s frame, her eyes drifting over the bustling village as Ryker spoke with the blacksmith. People hurried past, each caught in their own world, and she quietly observed the rhythm of their busy lives. She wondered if the smiles plastered across faces were honest and true. Were they happy, or was it a facade to hide how they truly felt inside? She bit into the apple she held, and juices spritzed into the air and fell against her hand. A moment of pure bliss—sunshine, sweet fruit, and a soft breeze dancing along her skin.

Movement and Ryker’s warm voice brought her back to reality. “It’s going to take a couple of hours before the blacksmith will be ready with Charlie. Let’s find an inn and book a room for the evening.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

Last time they stayed in a tavern hadn’t turned out so well.

“I’ll ensure to mark the exits should we need to use them, and we won’t dally long in the tavern.”

Nova nodded as she followed Ryker into the crowd. He reached a hand backward, and Nova smiled as she took it in hers. His skin was warm and calloused. She shivered at the first brush of his fingertips.

The inn neared, and Ryker held the door open as Nova stepped inside. The rich aroma of hot food and the tang of alcohol filled the room, wrapping around her senses like a comforting embrace. They made their way to the front counter, boots tapping softly against the wooden floor. As they approached, a young woman behind the counter greeted them with a welcoming smile, her eyes twinkling in the firelight. “Good evening, travellers. What can I do for you?”

Ryker nodded his head towards her. “Can we please have a room for the night?”

“Certainly, you can. Will you be joining us for the local dance later this evening?” the woman asked as she opened the leather-bound book in front of her and started writing something down.

“What sort of dance?” Nova piped in.

The woman looked at her oddly. “The normal sort. You know, where people get together and dance to music. We all get dressed up in our best attire, laugh and eat food until the sun comes up. You should come along.”

Back home in Ara, the spoken language—elirion—was hummed in a way that it sounded like the stars were singing. Nova knew of music, but the melodies on Earth were unlike anything she had ever experienced. In the palace, the king rarely played music, but when he did, the soft notes would echo through the halls. Those rare moments helped her to hold on to hope a little longer.

She switched her attention to the brooding male beside her. “Please, I want to see the dance.”

Warm brown eyes locked onto hers and she dared not to look away, begging him with a single look.

“Not today, but thanks all the same,” Ryker told the innkeeper as he handed a few gold coins over the counter.

“Please Ryker . . .”

“There is a dressmaker a few buildings down that sells lovely evening wear,” the woman casually added.

Nova tugged on his hand. “Oh Ryker, please say yes.”

Ryker remained stern. “Thank you for the room.”

Nova could tell that he was done with the topic. Her heart dropped a little as he guided her towards the stairs. She knew he was only trying to protect her by keeping her out of the public eye, but the further they distanced themselves from Branoc, the more Nova wanted to see and do before she went home.

If he didn’t want to go, perhaps she’d simply go without him.

* * *

Smoothing down the fabric of her gown, Nova smiled as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. After begging Ryker to attend the dance and promising to only stay for a little while, he’d reluctantly agreed. He’d then been very patient while she perused the racks of dresses at the dressmakers and generously paid when she’d chosen a velvet, burgundy coloured one.

As she stood in the washroom, adjusting the puffed sleeves on her shoulders, a small smile tugged at her lips. Her hair was styled half up, half down, with a few glowing white tendrils softly framing her face. The gown hugged her torso perfectly, the bodice tapering into a V as it met the gathered skirt.

Nova turned to glance over her shoulder at the mirror, noting the delicate rows of white pearls that lined the back, waiting to be fastened. She’d need Ryker’s help with that—a task that was quickly becoming a familiar routine.

Nerves crept into her stomach as she opened the door, making it flutter as if a thousand tiny wings were trapped inside her chest. Her palms felt damp, and a subtle tremor in her fingers betrayed her calm exterior. Her heart thudded, echoing in her ears as her feet pressed against the floor.

Ryker was standing by the window, arms folded and lost in thought. At the sound of her steps, he turned to face her. His eyes grew wide, his mouth slightly parted.

Nova smiled and offered her back to him. “Could you help me with these pearls? I can’t reach them myself.”

He said nothing as he moved closer, each step deliberate. His rough fingertips grazed her soft skin, and Nova bit her lip, holding back a sigh. A surge of electricity seemed to spark between them, heat flooding her body, setting her nerves alight. She reminded herself to breathe.

“All done,” he murmured when he was finished.

Rykers gaze raked over her body. Starting at her face, making its way down to her feet before it found her eyes again. “You look beautiful.”

She smiled as heat flushed her already pink cheeks. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

He still wore his usual attire, black cotton, loose fitting, button-up shirt with his brown leather harness that held his daggers diagonal across his chest, paired with his black trousers and brown leather boots that came up to his knees. The only thing that was different was that he’d combed his hair back. Instead of his inky black tendrils that formed a shaggy mop, he now sported a slicker and more refined image. Nova could stare at this man all day.

Warm brown eyes dragged their way up the length of her body again, and Nova felt heat pool between her legs. Whatever was happening right now, she didn’t want it to stop.

Ryker shuffled on his feet. “Are you ready, then?”

Nova nodded. The moment was broken.

“Now remember,” he said as he moved to the door, “we are only staying for a short time, and you must always keep me in your sight.”

“Yes sir.” Nova grinned.

“I’m serious—”

With a wave of her hand, Nova exited the room. “I know, I know, and we will be careful.”

As they entered the inn lobby, the woman who served them at the desk winked at Nova as they glided past. Nova was determined to have fun, even if it was only for a short amount of time.

Gravel crushed underfoot as they crossed the street and made their way to the town hall, following a path lit up with jars of fireflies. Couples and groups of people ushered themselves through the doors, where beautiful music wafted into the street. It carried a sense of elegance, the kind of music that made you pause and listen, as if the world itself had slowed to savour its beauty. It made her feel as if she was going to burst with joy.

Inside was a flurry of colour and sound. Silken banners of deep crimson and royal blue draped the walls, their rich colours reflecting in the polished marble floor. Tables were adorned with lavish floral arrangements, their fragrant blooms wafting on the music notes.

She didn’t know where to look first: at the tower of glassware flowing with a pale peach liquid or the group of musicians in the corner of the room playing on an array of stringed instruments.

Couples glided across the floor as if their feet were floating—void of gravity—just like Nova did in Ara. The reminder pulled against her chest. Would dancing give her a fleeting moment of feeling like she was back home?

“Oh Ryker, please let’s dance.”

Ryker shook his head. “I don’t dance.”

“What do you mean, you don’t dance?” Nova exclaimed.

“I’m all clumsy on my feet. Trust me.”

Nova sighed, but wouldn’t let his sour disposition ruin her evening. They stood on the sidelines of the dance floor, watching couples twirl about. Waiters moved through the crowds with trays of what Ryker had informed her was called champagne, held high above their heads.

He grabbed two glasses as a waiter walked by and passed one to her. She took a sip and scrunched her nose at the bitter taste. Ryker chuckled as she handed it back to him.

“That looks better than it tastes,”

“All the more for me.” Ryker winked.

Nova liked this side of Ryker. Maybe he was beginning to open up. Rolling her eyes, she returned to people watching. Music ebbed and flowed, and she couldn’t help but sway on the spot. Her feet itched to glide across the floor to the sweet tunes.

Someone cleared their throat near her side, and Nova flinched.

“So sorry to scare you, my lady, I simply came over to ask if you’d like to dance?” The stranger had striking green eyes and neatly styled golden hair. He bowed before Nova, wrinkling his tailored navy-blue suit and waiting for her response. He was undeniably handsome, but in a polished, refined manner, the kind she’d seen among the castle elite. Not like Ryker, whose appeal was rugged and raw, with an untamed masculinity.

She quickly looked towards the broody protector. He didn’t look pleased at all, but didn’t stop her, so she extended her hand. “I would love to dance.”

The male with the golden hair smiled, whisking her onto the floor. She lost herself in the music, swaying to and fro as if she was made only to dance. The skirts of her gown swished across the ground as she moved, and Nova loved the sound. She caught the eye of the male. He grinned at her, pulling her closer. He smelt of the fresh linen—like the ones in her room over at the tavern—and champagne, like the drink Ryker had offered her earlier. It wasn’t unpleasant, but certainly not what she’d grown to prefer.

Nova strained her neck towards where she left Ryker. He was scowling and clearly displeased, but Nova didn’t care. She was having the time of her life. Floating across the floor certainly did feel like she was home again—if only for a moment.

One song melted into the next, and Nova couldn’t tell when one ended and another began constantly twisting and twirling about with a very warm hand resting on her waist. Just as she thought she couldn’t dance another step, the song ended swiftly, and Nova stilled to catch her breath.

“Would you like to go outside onto the balcony for some fresh air?” The stranger asked, almost out of breath.

“. . . keep me in your sight . . .”

Ryker’s words rang in Nova’s ears, but when she looked around for him, he was nowhere to be found. She knew he would disapprove of her joining this man on the balcony, but the fresh, cool air did sound delightful. Nodding, she followed him outside. Besides—this man didn’t look like someone to be afraid of.

Once the crisp evening air hit her face, she took in a deep breath and smiled. What if this is what life could be like? Spending evenings dancing. Dressing in fine attire and sipping on bubbling liquids that looked far prettier than they tasted.

The stranger took two glasses of champagne from a passing server and handed Nova a glass. “My name is Oliver, by the way.”

She accepted the drink but didn’t have the heart to tell her new friend that she found it horrid. “Lovely to meet you Oliver, my name is Nova.”

She reached to squeeze his outstretched hand.

“Are you alright?” Oliver asked as he glanced down. “Are you . . . glowing?”

A wave of heat washed through her as her eyes fixed on her skin. The glow always started in her hands before travelling over the rest of her body. She’d been enjoying the dancing so much that her celestial essence had awoken.

“Oh dear . . .”

“Excuse me, but we were just leaving.” Ryker stepped from the shadows and placed his hand on Nova’s elbow. She shivered at his touch.

It only took one glance at his sullen face to know that he was definitely not pleased. In her defence, he’d vanished first.

Oliver stood tall and drew closer to Nova, reaching for her arm. He was certainly muscular, but she wondered whether it would be wise of him to challenge Ryker in any way. “I’m sorry . . . but who are you?”

Ryker pulled Nova towards his body. “Somebody who will break your hands if you think about touching her one more time.”

“Ryker—”

“The lady is perfectly safe here with me. We were only enjoying some fresh air,” Oliver said sternly, reaching for Nova’s other elbow.

A low growl seemed to erupt from Ryker, who stared Oliver down. “Like I already stated, touch her and not only will you lose the ability to use your hands, I will also throw you off the balcony.”

Ryker’s face was laced with fury. He meant every word he spoke. Her heart fluttered as she watched him, the strength and intensity in his movements stirring something deep within her. There was an undeniable allure in the way he stood between her and the world, fierce and protective. But as her pulse quickened, her fists clenched. The frustration burned just as hot—why did he always have to destroy the peace with his brute force? The evening had been perfect, and now it was crumbling beneath his hands.

“I am fine Ryker . . . honestly,” she assured him.

“Do you really know this man?” Oliver scoffed.

Ryker pulled Nova again. “Yes . . . she does, and we were leaving.”

Without another word, Ryker turned and led Nova back into the hall, through the sizable crowd and outside into the street.

Nova’s jaw tightened, her eyes narrowing as she fought to keep her expression calm. Inside, her anger simmered like a boiling pot, ready to spill over, but she refused to draw attention to them. In a crowded space like this, she knew better than to create a scene, no matter how much she wanted to. She stole a glance at Ryker, her fury growing with each heartbeat. Once they were behind closed doors, he’d hear every bit of it.

It didn’t take them long, considering how fast Ryker was marching her back to the inn. Nova huffed, the skirts of her burgundy dress dusting the ground. They entered through the wooden doors and headed straight for the stairs. Ryker reached for the key in his pocket and unlocked their room. Nova pushed past him and stormed to the small window that looked down at the street below. Ryker slapped the door behind him.

“I told you to keep me in view.” He growled, his voice low and commanding.

“How dare you,” Nova muttered.

Ryker scoffed at Nova’s back. “How dare I? You’re the one who disappeared.”

She couldn’t face him right now, so she continued to look out the window. “I looked for you and you were gone.”

“Well, it seems like you didn’t look too far. Why is it so hard for you to obey me?” He all but threw the words at her.

The frustration she felt simmering at the surface spilled and bubbled over. Her? . . . obey him?

“I am tired of you telling me what I can and can’t do. You don’t own me. I was having a perfectly good time until you came barging in all puffed up—”

Ryker’s footsteps pounded the floor towards her. She spun on her heel to face him, gathering her words for another protest, another battle. A fight she wouldn’t win.

Calloused hands gripped either side of her face, cupping her cheeks as warm lips found hers in a hard kiss. Her knees buckled under the intensity, and she reached both hands out to grip his forearms. Her eyes fluttered shut as she inhaled the man before her.

His mouth moved over hers, running the tip of his tongue across the edge of her mouth, asking to enter.

With a gentle moan, she melted into him as he parted her lips. His warm tongue swept inside, teasing and taunting. She didn’t know what she was doing, but it felt natural to kiss him back with equal passion, her tongue dancing with his. Heat pooled between her legs, and she whimpered as one of his hands cupped the back of her neck, the other gently wrapping around her throat. She grabbed the sides of his jacket and pulled her body into his. The kiss deepened, and Nova wasn’t sure it could get better.

All thoughts of why they’d argued flew out the window.

No wonder the couple she saw at the tavern that day looked like they were enjoying themselves.

Kissing was most enjoyable.

Ryker’s full lips were soft as they trailed across her jaw and down her neck. Nova crept her fingers to the back of his head, entwining them in his dark, unruly hair. She let her head fall back, allowing him access to her throat.

Slowly, he pushed her backwards until the back of her knees hit the bed, yet they remained standing. Nova was on fire, desire filling every crevice of her body. She wanted him.

Ryker’s mouth found hers again, the kiss slower this time, like he was savouring her—should she disappear. Nova met him stroke for stroke, dragging her hands down his chest to slip beneath his shirt. He groaned softly as her fingers found his warm skin.

He was everything she dreamed a man would be.

Broad hands encircled her waist, Ryker pulled her against his body, kissing her deeper. Time and space no longer existed. Just her and Ryker.

The absence of his lips left hers cool from the air as he abruptly pulled himself away, His boots echoing on the wooden floor. He headed for the bathroom, leaving her dazed and confused.

“Ryker?” Nova reached for him. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, and her hands shook as they glowed.

He spun to face her, and she caught a glimpse of the anguish etched into him. His russet eyes were shadowed in a torment too painful to speak.

“I’m sorry Nova . . .”

She took a small step towards him. “Wait—”

With a gentle shake of his head, Ryker turned, and the door closed behind him.

Had she done something wrong? Maybe she didn’t kiss well like other women, and he didn’t enjoy it. Tears pricked her eyes. She didn’t know if they came from the way he repelled from her embrace, or perhaps her tears knew the pain he bore and wished to grieve alongside him.

Her dull, icy hand wiped the salty droplets away. She didn’t bother to ask him to help her out of her gown. She felt he needed the space.

Nova crawled into bed and pulled the covers up high. Her feet ached from dancing and now a new pain pulsed inside her chest.