Chapter 27: The Harsh Reality - How the Stars Fall

The last guard went down with a knife handle to the back of the head. The room spun as Ryker twisted, searching for Nova. He spotted her, unsteady on her feet and stumbling. His mind raced, urging his legs to move faster, and just in time, he reached for her as she sank to her knees.

“I’ve got you, little star,” Ryker whispered against her head.

Everything around him melted away until all he could see was her. This was all that mattered. They were alive. Once they were free of Emberfell, he would let the barricade of emotions open that threatened to spill as soon as sea-green eyes met his russet ones. All the pain, the exhaustion, the tears—they would have their moment. However, he still needed to get them free of the castle.

A golden goblet slipped from the pile beside the dais and clattered to the marble floor, the sound echoing through the hall. Ryker was speechless.

Nova had done it. She’d buried the king . . . she’d saved them both.

“Ryker,” Nova whispered.

“I’m here.”

He held her tight, pulling her to her feet. What followed was a blur. Multitudes of guards lay sprawled on the ground. Some were still as death itself, some still writhing in pain. Ryker held her upright as they moved through the sea of bodies and left the throne room behind.

It was almost over.

Ryker’s grip was firm. Holding on tight as the world swayed. He refused to let her go, even for one moment.

A figure loomed down the hall. “This way,” Pete called to them.

Ryker stopped and placed his arm under Nova’s knees, lifting her so she was cradled against his chest. He’d be able to move faster if he carried her—besides, she had no energy left of her own. Not after the ordeal with the goblets. Branoc never stood a chance.

He could feel her heart racing as she lay against his body. It was music in his ears. Her beating heart—alive and pulsing.

“Back through here,” Pete whispered as they wound their way through a maze of corridors.

They reached the dark stairwell to the kitchen and headed down. Once they were inside, Pete closed the door behind them. A few soft whimpers escaped Nova’s lips—she was fading. Ryker knew the urgency of replenishing her magic. He needed to get her out of the castle and under the moonlight.

Cool night air greeted them as the back door to the kitchen opened and they stepped out into the night.

“We need to head to the stables,” Pete whispered. “I know Charlie is there. I saw him earlier today.”

Ryker nodded, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. “Did he seem well?”

“Perfectly fine.”

They moved swiftly, sticking to the walls and keeping to the darkest parts of the courtyard. Most of the kingdom was asleep—or in the shambles of the throne room. As they reached the stables, Ryker gently placed Nova down on her feet next to Pete.

“Will you be alright for a moment?”

She nodded. Ryker knew she had little strength left. He just needed her to hold on for a few more moments.

Pete drew an arm around Nova’s shoulder, supporting her as Ryker dropped to his knees. He searched the ground for something to jimmy the padlock open with.

There wasn’t much around. Ryker glanced up and his eyes settled on Nova, who had her hair pinned in a mass of loose waves atop her head. He rose swiftly, boots quiet against the ground as he approached her. “Care to spare a pin?” he murmured, his gaze flicking toward her hair.

Nova nodded, managing a faint smile. “Of course. Take what you need.” She carefully reached up, sliding a pin from her hair and handing it to him, the simple motion leaving her a little more drained. Ryker gave her a gentle nod before turning back to the lock.

He worked the pin into the keyhole, picking steadily until he felt the lock give. As the door swung open, they all slipped quietly inside.

The horses stirred but remained calm as Ryker and Pete quickly located Charlie. He whinnied at the sight of them.

“Hush boy,” Ryker whispered as she led the shiny black stallion from his stall.

Pete brought a saddle and bridle over, helping to tack Charlie up swiftly. When they were done, Ryker held Nova into the saddle before turning to Pete.

“How can I ever thank you, Pete?” Ryker murmured.

Pete flashed a grin and tipped his head towards Nova. “Get her out of here and live a full life . . . both of you.”

Ryker dipped his head in thanks. Nova offered Pete a weak smile. It was all she could muster. “I owe you my life.” Ryker murmured.

“Let’s just get that bottle of whiskey when you’re settled somewhere safe.”

Ryker nodded and shook his friend’s hand.

Pete gave him a boyish grin. It gave him a sense of relief, knowing that he wasn’t entirely alone in this harsh world. He truly had happiness here. He had people in this part of the world who loved and stood by him. That alone might make what he’d come to terms with easier for him—and for her.

* * *

Charlie moved through the night like a creature born under the light of a full moon. It was almost as if he knew the urgency of the matter at hand by the way he surged forward into the moonlit forest. His brilliant black hide glistened with sweat as he raced along.

They’d been travelling for a few hours.

He was certain no one would come after them tonight. Not when most of the guards would be too busy digging Branoc free from his gold prison—or they’ll be lollygagging, hoping if they move slowly enough, Emberfell will receive a new king.

Ryker inwardly huffed at his own thoughts. He would figure out a plan tomorrow. For now, they needed a bath and sleep. Hooves pounded the Earth in sync with the wild rhythm of Ryker’s heart. The inn—where he knew they’d finally rest—was just around the bend. Soon, he would hold Nova properly. He’d cradle her in his arms and never let her go.

No more would he hide behind his wounds. No more would he take for granted the things that mattered to him. No more would he avoid seeing his family because the pain was too much.

No more would he push the woman who’d fallen into his life away.

It was time to come home.

Faint orange glowed in the distance, and Ryker grinned.

Nova’s head bounced against his chest as they raced along. She’d passed out not long into their escape. All that power she’d used to bury Branoc seemed to almost have taken her life. She truly was the most incredible woman.

Ryker urged Charlie on.

Nova stirred as Ryker brought Charlie to a stop. “Where are we?” she murmured.

Ryker slid from Charlie’s back before easing Nova down. “We are at an inn. We will be safe here for the night.”

His arm wrapped around Nova’s waist as he guided her up the steps, careful not to disturb her torn gown. It was barely covering her as it was. She leaned against him heavily, battling the exhaustion. He pushed open the door, the warmth of the firelight and the rich smell of stew meeting them as they stepped inside. He helped her over to the counter, where a stocky, full-bearded innkeeper greeted them. “Evenin’. Need a room, do ya?”

Ryker gave a curt nod. “Yes. And someone to stable our horse. He’s outside.”

“Aye, I’ll have the boy take care of him.” The innkeeper motioned to a stable hand, who darted out the door hurriedly.

Ryker slid a few coins across the counter. “A room for the night—preferably one with a good lock.”

Just for peace of mind.

The innkeeper raised an eyebrow but said nothing, handing over a key with a knowing look. “Up the stairs, second on the left.”

With a grateful nod, Ryker pocketed the key and turned to Nova. “Let’s get you to bed. You need to rest.”

The stairs creaked under their weight as they made their way to the room. Ryker couldn’t wait to be behind the security of a closed door. His fingers fumbled for the key in his pocket, and a wave of relief washed over him when the door finally swung open.

She headed in and Ryker followed, closing the door behind them.

“Ryker . . .” Nova whispered.

The sound of her voice was all he needed to close the distance between them and cradle her face between his hands. Bringing his head down, he captured her lips in a passionate and hungry embrace. All the pent-up feelings over the last few days came flooding out, and it showed in the way his mouth nipped and kissed hers.

Nova responded with equal passion, as she slipped her arms around his neck and weaved her fingers into his hair at the back of his head. Groaning softly, Ryker moved his hands to encircle her waist, pulling her closer. Although, it wasn’t close enough. He wouldn’t be satisfied until they were naked and breathless in a world where no one knew they existed. If that was even possible.

Ryker drew his head back so both of them could breathe. His eyes met Nova’s sea-green ones as tears slipped down her ivory cheeks. Their longing made him reach for her again.

His kiss was tender but full of need. He ran the tip of his tongue along the seam of her mouth, and Nova sighed softly as she opened for him. She tasted like honey and smelt like lavender. Ryker cupped the back of her head and fisted his hand through her diamond stands, pulling her head back to kiss her soundly. She felt so small and fragile in his arms.

The passion between them softened into slow, deliberate kisses—each one lingering as if to savour the moment. Their hands roamed over each other’s bodies with a delicate reverence, tracing the curves and lines as if committing them to memory.

Both so aware of the desire for one another.

Ryker pulled away and rested his forehead against hers. “I’m so sorry.”

She tipped her head to look at him. “Sorry for what?” she whispered.

“I’m sorry our trip to the pool wasn’t quite the reunion you expected.”

Nova shook her head. “It’s not your fault.” She cupped his face gently. “None of this is your fault.”

Ryker reached up a hand to wipe her damp cheeks. “Why do I feel like I’ve failed you?”

“You haven’t. The world has . . . but not you, Ryker.”

He pulled her into a tight embrace, never wanting to let go. “I just want to forget it all.”

Nova pushed against his chest softly. “Let’s talk about this later. I don’t want to think about anything but this very moment,” she motioned to the washroom. “Care to join me?”

* * *

The bathwater was warm, steam rising in gentle curls around them as Ryker lowered himself into the tub behind Nova. She leaned against his chest, the heat from the water soaking into his skin, soothing muscles still sore from—everything. His arms wrapped around her waist, drawing her closer until her back rested fully against him.

Golden flickering flames from a few candles that sat on a wooden stool beside the bath gave the room its only light. Despite the danger that might await them in the future, Ryker felt a sense of peace. Nova was safe, he was alive. Together, they would decide what their future looked like, but first it was time to heal some wounds—physically and emotionally.

Ryker reached for the cloth that lay draped over the edge of the bath. He submerged it under the steaming water before gently rubbing it up and down Nova’s arm. His fingertips brushed over her wet, mottled skin, trailing lightly across her flesh. Brown, purple and grey. Spots where fingers had grasped too tightly. Fingers that deserved severing. Fingers from hands that would never touch her again.

“How are you feeling?” he asked softly.

Nova tilted her head to the side, her damp hair sticking to her neck. “Better . . . thanks to you,” she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips.

Ryker leant down and kissed her shoulder, his lips warm against her skin. “You were incredible back there at the castle.”

Nova huffed, the sound equal parts relief and amusement. “I thought I was going to die.”

Ryker tilted her face so he could see her. “I wouldn’t have let you,” he said, brushing her lips in a feather-light kiss.

Nova smiled at him, yet her eyes held a hint of sadness. Like she knew something he didn’t, and she was too afraid to let the letters form into words, lest they tumble off her tongue. An unspoken truth that Ryker already knew. He just didn’t want to admit it yet.

He brushed her cheek with the damp cloth. “What pains you so much?”

Tears gathered in the outer corners of her sea-green eyes. “I thought I was going to lose you.”

Ryker dropped the cloth into the water, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. “It’s going to require more than that to take me down.”

Nova nestled against his back, bringing a fresh wave of sudsy lavender. She glanced to the side briefly. “How’s your shoulder?”

“It’s fine. I only caught the tip of the blade,” Ryker murmured. “Thank you for healing it.”

Water sloshed against the sides of the bath as Nova turned to face him, her legs now straddling his lap. His blood surged as her nakedness pressed into him, but she seemed focused. Ryker tucked a piece of Nova’s hair behind her ear. “What are you doing, little star?”

She picked up the cloth from the warm soapy water and wiped Ryker’s chest down. “It’s my turn to wash you.”

Concentration etched her face as she trailed warm, soapy water over his sun-kissed flesh. Her sea-green eyes were in the room, but the depths of them dwelt elsewhere—somewhere far away.

The drag of the cloth against his skin was intentional and slow. Nova took her time, tracing every scar, every indent of muscle. He melted like butter under her touch. Fire bubbling at the surface of his veins.

Ryker gripped her ivory thighs as she shifted forward to wash his face.

“Close your eyes,” Nova whispered.

Ryker didn’t want to miss a thing, but he did as she bade.

Her touch was as light as a dandelion seed floating in the air as she wiped away the worry from his forehead, his nose, his cheeks. One hand threaded through the waves at the back of his neck as the other took its time learning the plains of his face.

The sound of the cloth dropping into the bath water opened Ryker’s eyes. Nova’s mouth was inches from his. Her gaze flicked down to it before she met his eyes again. No words were needed. Ryker knew what hung between them because he could feel it too.

She wanted him as much as he wanted her.

“You can have it all, little star. Every part of me,” he whispered.

Ryker heard the faint hitch in her breath before they met in the middle, their lips colliding, becoming one and the same.

There was nothing soft about the kiss. It was fervent and erotic. Nova met him stroke for stroke, wrapping her arms around his neck and shifting further onto his lap. Her damp hair draped around her body like the flowing tendrils of a mystical meteor shower, each strand shimmering with a delicate dusting of stardust, cascading in soft, luminous waves that glowed faintly in the dim light around them.

Her pink lips trailed over his face, leaving fire in their wake. She pressed her mouth to his eyelids, his nose before finding her way back to his mouth. Every velvet touch sent a pang of pleasure down to the hardened length trapped between their bodies.

Ryker’s cock had awoken the moment she undressed and climbed into the bath. He hadn’t presumed anything would happen, though it was all he could think about. But as her slick warmth slid against his length. All forms of restraint left his body. He hardened instantly, throbbing against her core.

“Fuck, Nova,” he whispered against her mouth.

She smiled, a sigh escaping as she pulled him closer. “I want you inside me.”

Ryker didn’t need to be told twice. He reached between them, shifting his cock so the tip of it slid between her warm folds. Nova let out a moan as she sunk down onto his length. She was tight around him and Ryker had to steady his breath to slow his release.

She was a vision. A star encapsulated in human form.

He gripped her hips, dimpling her skin as she slowly rocked back and forth, creating ripples in the water. Ryker’s gaze wandered over her glistening breasts. Each droplet reflected the candlelight, making them look like beads of liquid gold as they trailed down her skin. Her pink nipples, taunt against the cool of the air, begged to be sucked.

He leaned forward to lick her neck as she thrust her hips. Pleasure ripped through his stomach and blossomed into his chest as he nipped at the column of her ivory neck. Nova’s head fell back, allowing him better access. He slowly made his way down to the star on her chest. Its blue glow pulsed faintly.

Ryker placed a single kiss on top of it.

The star grew brighter, and he smiled.

One of his hands left her waist and found one of her ample breasts. Ryker massaged it, grazing his thumb over her nipple. Nova whimpered and arched into him, so the floating strands of her hair dipped into the water surrounding them. Ryker moaned as he dragged his mouth over her breast. His tongue swirling, nipping, and tugging.

“By the stars, Ryker,” Nova moaned.

He flicked his tongue over her nipple. “Take all of me. Mind, body and soul.”

Nova dropped her gaze, her sea-green eyes heavy with pleasure. As she bit her bottom lip and rocked back and forth, she created a friction that Ryker was doomed to succumb to at any moment. He wanted to last longer, not only for his pleasure, but for hers, too. The viridian glow pulsing from her skin enveloped them, and as Ryker watched in awe, her bruises healed under waves of celestial essence. The scars of the past faded, leaving only untouched radiance in their place.

“It’s even better the second time around,” Nova whispered.

Ryker grinned. “Wait until we do it, one after the other.”

Nova’s eyes widened. “Is that even possible?”

“I’m willing to find out if you are?” Ryker murmured as he slipped his hand between them.

Nova cried out as his fingers brushed against her most sensitive part. Circling gently. She brought her arms around his neck, pulling their bodies together as her hips moved back and forth.

Ryker didn’t know what he enjoyed more; the feeling of her slick walls clenching his cock as she rode him, or the way her soft breasts rubbed against his chest with every stroke. Both had him biting his bottom lip in restraint. His release was building and the way Nova gripped him told him hers was too. Her warmth wrapped around his cock like a pool of sunlight, bright and all-consuming.

“Are you ready to reach for the stars?” Nova whispered against his mouth.

“Take me there.”

Nova caught his lips with hers, teasing and biting. His tongue found hers and together they created a symphony of music as their bodies moved together, their moans tangling together in the small washroom.

As he kissed her, Ryker used his hand to trace circles over Nova’s clit. She whimpered before tearing her lips from his. A cry escaped her lips, her fingers digging into the hair at the back of his neck. She dropped her head back as she rode the waves of pleasure pulsing through her.

Seeing her come undone was his undoing.

“By the stars.” He couldn’t hold back any longer and his release soon followed. Ryker let out a moan as his stomach muscles clenched over and over, spilling into her. Warmth spread over his body like a blanket. His limbs became limp with ecstasy as their heartbeats melted into one.

Ryker closed his eyes, gently resting his forehead on Nova’s, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the night. The world around them seemed to dissolve, leaving only the sound of their heartbeats, the steady thrum of their shared exhaustion. They sat entwined, Nova’s celestial viridian glow softly illuminating the surrounding space, casting shimmering reflections on the walls like a sanctuary made just for them.

Would this be their future?

For a moment, it felt as if time had stopped. He could stay like this forever—wrapped in her warmth, feeling the steady rise and fall of her chest, her presence so deeply comforting. It was everything Ryker had ever longed for, the peace, the sense of belonging. Her light wasn’t just beautiful; it was healing, washing over him in a way that soothed the deep scars he carried within. In her arms, the weight of his past felt lighter, almost bearable.

But deep inside, in the corners of his mind where the truth always lurked, Ryker knew that this couldn’t be their forever. His grip on her tightened slightly, a subconscious reaction to the ache in his chest. He couldn’t protect her here—not fully, not forever. The dangers of this world would never leave them alone.

He opened his eyes slowly, looking down at her peaceful face, and his heart clenched. She was safe for now, in this fleeting moment, but he knew it wouldn’t last. Not with the enemies who would never stop hunting them.

Nova smiled up at him, her lips slightly parted in bliss. How could he let her go? How could he live without her in this world? The idea of it sent a searing pain through his chest. Yet, he would bear the pain of losing her, though, if it meant she was never harmed again.

“What’s on your mind, Hound?” Nova lifted a hand and brushed Ryker’s hair from his brow.

He couldn’t tell her his innermost thoughts. Not yet—-tonight—but not yet. They would have this moment first. They would eat and then when she was laying in his arms under cotton sheets and woollen blankets, he would tell her everything.

“I’m thinking about how famished I am.” Ryker smiled. “I’ve had my appetite for you satisfied—for a moment—-but my stomach would love some food.”

Nova flashed him a grin before placing a quick kiss to his lips. “Then let us eat.”

* * *

Ryker had found the innkeeper at the bar downstairs. He requested some dinner, even though morning threatened to creep over the horizon at any moment. The innkeeper hadn’t questioned and simply dished out a helping of steaming stew into bowls placed beside soft, wholemeal rolls.

Before he left, he’d inquired about some clothes for Nova, seeing as her gown was in tattered shreds. The burly innkeeper had checked his lost property box, returning with a simple grey gown, with a cream knitted shawl folded on top.

Ryker thanked him and headed back to the room.

He found Nova sitting on the bed, wrapped in a blanket.

“I found you some clothes.”

Nova got up and moved across the room almost silently. “Thank you,” she murmured as she took the clothes from the food tray where they were balanced. “Dinner smells wonderful.”

Ryker placed the tray down on a small table in front of the crackling fireplace. “Let’s hope it tastes good, too.”

Nova flashed him a smile before she floated off to the washroom to change.

Ryker sat in one of the brown leather armchairs, angled towards the fire. He decided to wait for Nova before eating. She didn’t take long. Soon enough, she reappeared, wrapped in the grey dress, the shawl pulled snugly around her shoulders as she swiftly crossed the room to join him.

She sunk down in the chair opposite him and together they ate, both relishing the flavour of the beef stew. Perfectly seasoned with spices, potatoes, and carrots.

Ryker flicked his gaze towards Nova. She was staring at the fire as she nibbled on her bread. The dress hung loosely on her frame, highlighting the dark circles under her eyes. But it would suffice for now. He’d find her something more fitting once they were back on the road.

“Where are you?”

Sea-green eyes met his. “What do you mean?”

Ryker placed his spoon back into the bowl so he could give her his full attention. “Your mind is not here in the room with me.”

She was drifting again, her gaze unfocused, lost somewhere between here and a far-off place. Ryker could see it in her eyes—the turmoil, the quiet battle waging inside her. She was at war with herself, and all he could do was watch, powerless to pull her back from wherever her thoughts had taken her.

Nova’s lip quivered. “I want to say something, but I can’t form the words.” Her voice came out in a whisper.

Ryker offered her a gentle smile. “Tell me . . . I can handle it.”

“It’s about Ara.”

“You’re going home, aren’t you?”

It nearly killed him to say the words out loud, though his heart already knew what was on her mind. He’d seen it in her eyes when they’d escaped the castle, and he’d seen it when they found pleasure in each other’s arms only moments ago.

A tear found its way down her cheek. “I don’t want to. It brings me much heartache to even utter the words. But I can’t ask you to put your life on the line every time we step outside.”

“It’s not asking if I give it willingly,” Ryker murmured.

Nova shook her head, her white tresses shimmering under the light of the fire. “But it’s so selfish of me, Ryker. My presence here on Earth puts you in so much danger.”

Ryker traced the lines of her face. It wasn’t his life he was concerned about. It was hers. He could endure whatever the world threw at them if she stayed here. He’d go to war for her. He’d fetch her the moon if she wished it so. Yet, despite the pain that gripped his chest. He wouldn’t ask her to stay, because he knew she couldn’t. She belonged in a world far greater than his.

“You never need to fear for my life, little star. I understand completely. Ara is your home, and you will be safe there. And that is all I have ever wished for you.”

A sob caught in Nova’s throat, her hand clasping her mouth as she fought back the surge of tears.

Ryker placed his bowl of food down and rose from the chair. He held his hand out towards her. “Come.”

“Where are we going?” Nova sniffed.

“Dance with me,” Ryker said quietly, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Nova blinked back tears as Ryker placed her hand in his, gently pulling her to her feet. There was no music, just the rhythm of their hearts and the muffled sounds of the night outside. Ryker’s hands found her waist as Nova’s arms wrapped around his neck, and they swayed together in a slow, easy motion.

“I thought you didn’t dance,” she whispered.

“I don’t.”

Sea-green eyes found him. “So why now?”

“Because I’d dance for you until my feet fell off and because you deserve to leave this place filled with joy . . . not sadness.”

She offered him a smile before she rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart as they turned in small circles. He brushed his fingers against her back, pulling her just a little closer, and leaned down to whisper, “You are my joy, little star.”