Chapter 5: The Ruby Pendant - How the Stars Fall

“Nova . . .”

The melody of birdsong filled the air, rousing Nova from slumber.

“Nova . . . are you awake?” Ryker called again.

Filtered light poured in through the flap of canvas. Her gaze traced the fabric dome above her as she blinked the sleep from her eyes. It took her a moment to piece together her surroundings. It surprised her to feel as rested as she did. The night before, she’d been utterly exhausted, her mind and body worn from the day’s events. Though Nova usually felt most alive beneath the velvet expanse of night, she’d slept soundly and undisturbed.

She glanced at the tent’s opening, her eyes catching the sliver of light between the flaps. “Yes, I’m awake.”

“Time to get up,” Ryker said, his voice husky and irritated.

Too bad a night’s sleep hadn’t changed his tune.

She sat up, rubbing her eyes before crawling from the tent. As she stepped outside, she noticed her hair drifting around her. With a swift pass of her fingers, she attempted to tame the unruly strands, smoothing them down.

A watery grey mist clung to the ground like a heavy blanket, swirling around her feet as her steps sounded across the dewy grass. Nova took a slow, deep breath, letting the fresh, crisp air fill her lungs. She glanced towards Ryker, her gaze lingering on him as he stood just a few feet away. His russet eyes lifted, locking with hers, and in that brief moment, the world seemed to narrow. Her heart stuttered in her chest, the sudden rush of warmth flooding her veins, catching her off guard and leaving her breathless.

Ryker abruptly lowered his gaze and walked past her, heading straight to pack up the tent. “We need to eat and get back on the road.”

Nova turned to face him with her arms folded. “I had a wonderful sleep, thank you.”

Ryker’s gaze slowly travelled the length of her body, his eyes tracing every curve and detail. The intensity of his stare sent a rush of warmth to her cheeks, her skin flushing under his attention. “We don’t have time for pleasantries.”

Nova rolled her eyes. She moved towards the fire Ryker had maintained through the night, her steps snapping twigs and disturbing the leaf matter. She extended her hands, feeling the warmth on her fingertips. The air was still fresh, its cool edge biting into Nova’s skin, causing a shiver to ripple through her.

Ryker tied the tent to the saddle. “Eat the food there while I pack up.”

Nova took a plate of food. Her eyes focused on Ryker. “Does your horse have a name?”

Ryker paused. “Charlie.”

Nova moved to scratch his shiny black muzzle. “Nice to meet you, Charlie.”

She ate in silence, enjoying the early morning bird chatter drifting from the treetops. She slowly made her way through the simple yet satisfying meal—sweet fruit, creamy cheese, fresh bread, and cool water. By the time she finished, her stomach was pleasantly full, almost to the point of bursting.

Nova’s gaze found Ryker again, his hands working diligently as he finished packing their belongings. “Is this king of yours the ruler of where you live?”

“He’s not my king and yes, of Emberfell.”

Nova folded her arms across her chest. “What gives him the right to stake claim to me?”

Ryker shrugged as he tied a bag to Charlie’s saddle. “He’s a king.”

What a ridiculous answer. What did it matter if he was a king?

“How long will it take to reach the palace?”

She needed to gauge her surroundings a little. If she was going to form a plan of escape, the more information she had, the better. Not that she knew where to go. She just wanted to get away and see the world. Experience it without some brutish male telling her what to do.

“Another day or so.”

Nova nodded. Perhaps she could go in the opposite direction from which they were going. Surely, there were other places close by where she could seek refuge. If she kept her glow hidden, she’d pass as an ordinary woman, would she not?

Surely, people would soon forget about her, and she could finally slip through the world unnoticed, exploring its hidden places and marvels. She’d wander from city to city, village to village, discovering each one with fresh eyes, free to let her curiosity lead her wherever it wanted.

A sound in the distance had Ryker moving swiftly towards her. Before she could argue, he pulled her to his chest and behind a tree, his muscular arms encasing her tiny frame as she settled into his warmth.

“What is it?” she whispered.

Ryker covered her mouth with his hand. “People. Don’t move.”

“Ryker—” her voice was muffled.

“Do as you’re told,” he whispered against her ear.

Nova noted the seriousness in his voice and as much as she wanted to fight against him, she did as he bade. His warm breath grazed her skin, each exhale a gentle caress that sent goosebumps down her neck. She could feel the rapid thrum of his heartbeat pressed against her back, pounding too fast for her to count. His scent of cypress and vanilla enveloped her senses, her heart hammering against its cage as she drank him in.

The only sound was the soft rustle of leaves as the breeze wove through the trees. Even so, Ryker stood motionless, his body taut and alert, ready for whatever might lurk unseen.

They stayed like that for a few moments until Ryker finally glanced around the side of the tree. His hold on her loosened as he carefully released his hand from her mouth, his other hand steady on her arm. Together, they moved cautiously back toward their small camp, each step quiet and measured.

“Stay beside Charlie and don’t move,” he commanded as he gently pushed her from his embrace.

Nova folded her arms. “Do you think it was the twins?”

Ryker shrugged before turning his attention to the black horse. “Possibly.”

“Are they looking for me?”

“I would say so.”

Nova glanced around the forest. “Are they the only ones looking for me?”

“You sure ask a lot of questions?”

She fixed her gaze, giving him a pointed stare.“You would too if you needed a lot of answers.”

Leather strapping squeaked as Ryker tightened Charlie’s saddle. “I’m certain there are others looking for you. Which is why I need to get you to King Branoc swiftly.”

It seemed that even if she left Ryker’s side; it would not be easy to evade someone else’s grasp. Perhaps she should stay until they were closer to the city, where she’d have a better chance of hiding.

Ryker gathered the last of his belongings and helped Nova into the saddle before pulling himself up behind her. They headed towards the king—or so she presumed.

* * *

After a full day of riding without pause, Nova felt as though someone had thrown her down a jagged hill, and she’d hit every bump along the way. Her muscles screamed in protest, causing her to groan as she eased herself out of the saddle when, at last, Ryker announced they would set up camp once again.

The sky was growing unusually dark, and by the way Ryker’s brows knitted together, casting shadows over his eyes, she could tell he wasn’t pleased. His fingers toyed with the gold chain around his neck every time he cast his gaze skyward.

They stopped for the night along the banks of a wide stream, where Nova became bewitched at the sight of a fish in its crystal waters. Silver scales glimmered in the fading rays of the day’s last light, and the longer she watched them, the more she felt she could remain there for hours, content and happy.

The trees there stood apart from those they had encountered earlier, their bark a lighter hue, their branches fuller, draping the forest in a denser, more vibrant canopy.

Nova pointed to a small chestnut coloured creature as it scurried by. “Is that a squirrel?”

“Yes.”

“Are they friend or foe?”

Ryker flicked his gaze to the furry animal as it darted up a tree. “Pest.”

A smile danced on Nova’s lips. She thought they were quite sweet.

She sat by the fire, flicking her gaze towards Ryker. He remained preoccupied, fingers tracing the edges of the red jewel that dangled from his neck.

A loud rumble stretched across the sky. Nova knew exactly what was coming, having witnessed many storms from her position in the sky over the years. She had long admired the enormity of them, hoping one day she might feel the rain upon her skin. The thought of it approaching sent a thrill through her.

Ryker shoved a plate towards her. “Eat before we get soaked.”

Nova reached for the plate, studying his face. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes,” he said, his voice sharp, slicing through her.

She flinched, casting a wary glance in his direction as she lowered herself onto the forest floor. Silently, she ate her meal. Ryker stood near Charlie, his gaze distant, lost to the forest as he ate his meal.

Bright sheets of light illuminated the wind-tossed canopy, followed by a sharp crack of thunder that reverberated through the Earth. Nova grinned.

“The sky is about to open up, you’d best get inside the tent,” Ryker called above the howling wind whipping through the trees.

“What did you say?” Nova called back.

Ryker cupped his hands over his mouth and shouted. “The tent. Get inside.”

Nova wanted to refuse, but the thought of her captor’s reaction kept her silent. Still, this was her first taste of rain, and the desire to feel it upon her skin outweighed her caution. While Ryker ensured Charlie was safely sheltered under the flowing branches of a large tree, Nova crept forward.

Thunder rumbled again, and the Earth grew thick with the scent of damp soil and musk, rising from the forest floor as if the ground had exhaled a breath. Nova tilted her head back, her eyes wide with wonder as the sky darkened, a single raindrop falling to kiss her cheek. She lifted her hand, brushing the cool droplet that felt more like a shard of ice, cold and sharp.

The rain fell in earnest, gentle at first, then steadily increasing in intensity. Nova stepped out from beneath the sheltering trees, her arms outstretched as if to embrace the sky. The rain washed over her in a cascade of tiny, sparkling drops.

She twirled slowly, letting the water seep through her clothes and run down her skin. Each drop felt like a delicate kiss, a sensation she had never known in the celestial realms. Her laughter bubbled up, light and joyous, mixing with the sound of the falling rain.

But it didn’t last long.

Before she could protest, Ryker’s arm swept around her waist, lifting her feet off the ground. He carried her to the tent, shoving her inside before stepping in after her. The low ceiling of the fabric shelter forced him to bow his head

“I told you to get inside the tent,” he growled.

Nova narrowed her eyes, a hint of irritation twisting her expression.“You don’t own me. I wanted to feel the rain.”

Ryker ran his fingers through his wet hair, his skin glistening even in the darkness. His gaze remained unflinching, unwavering even under Nova’s fierce scrutiny.

“Maybe I would consider your requests if you asked me nicely,” she stated, a venomous edge in her voice.

Ryker played with the pendant. “Please . . . stay inside. Is that better?”

The downpour of rain pelted against the side of the tent, relentless in its attempt to knock it sideways, but the fabric held steadfast. Thunder rolled like a drum, shaking the ground beneath her feet, while lightning ripped through the sky, illuminating the shelter sporadically.

Russet eyes fixated on her, and Nova felt a slow, peculiar heat rise within, a sensation spreading low between her thighs. He waited, his silence thick with expectation. And for a moment, she revelled in the control she held over him.

“It’s a start.”

Ryker’s gaze briefly lingered on her lips before flicking back up. Without a word, he dropped to the ground, settling on the mat, stretching out on his back, his eyes never quite leaving hers. “We may as well try to sleep. I think it’s going to hang around for a while.”

“Will Charlie be okay out there?”

Ryker closed his eyes and nodded. “He’ll be fine. Lie down . . . please.”

Nova blushed at the thought of lying so close to Ryker—not that it was any closer than sitting on a horse with him, but somehow this felt more intimate. The tent was cramped, as narrow as it was tall. Once she lay beside him, Ryker’s hulking frame would most definitely press against hers.

She sat down on the mat. “You will not touch me while I sleep will you?”

Ryker huffed softly. “Little star, if I was going to touch you, I would make sure you were wide awake.”

Nova caught his gaze. His mouth remained still, but something in his eyes glimmered—a tiny spark. She found herself drawn to it, whatever it was. The name he’d used for her sent warmth through her body, though she didn’t understand why he called her that. Still, it brought her a sense of comfort.

With the storm raging outside, Nova laid down, turning her back to Ryker. Despite the warmth spilling from his body, Nova longed for the cold bite of the rain.

The commands of this stranger were becoming unbearable. She wasn’t naive. Though Earth was new to her, she understood more than they realised. It was time to find a way out—time to make her own choices.

“What’s the king like?” she spoke into the night.

“Like most kings, I suppose.”

Nova rolled onto her side, facing Ryker’s back. “Which is?”

His frame lay taller than hers. She felt small beside it. The heat from his body reached her, seeping into her skin as if warding off any chill that lingered in the night air. She leaned in just slightly, savouring the solid comfort he offered.

“I don’t know . . . powerful—likes treasure.” Ryker murmured.

“Is that what I am?”

Ryker hesitated. “Some would say you are.”

Her stomach dropped. Was she truly that desired here in this part of the world? “Should I be worried?”

“Not if you do whatever he asks.”

Nova’s eyes travelled over Rykers’ back. “And what if I don’t?”

He sighed softly. “Then you should possibly be worried.”

Nothing in his words gave Nova the slightest confidence in this king he spoke of. What if he was just as demanding as the twins, or as severe as Ryker had been—what if he was worse? The twins had planned to sell her to the highest bidder, and Ryker seemed focused on what he’d been paid to do. How would this king be any different?

If she got the opportunity tomorrow, she would take it—she would run. Her ankle was feeling much better. She’d had enough food and water that she could probably last a few days before she needed more. Surely someone in a town could help her find a way home—if that was even possible.

The steady rise and fall of Ryker’s chest reassured Nova that he was asleep. She rolled onto her back, trying to find a comfortable position as the storm lessened outside. The rain continued, and she fought sleep for as long as she could before finally succumbing to the dark.

* * *

Warm, filtered sunlight licked at Nova’s skin, stirring her awake. It was still a foreign feeling to have the oldest and brightest star in all of Ara kiss her human skin.

Instinctively, she reached out to touch Ryker’s solid body, but her fingers only found coldness. She opened one eye, confirming that she was indeed alone. Sitting up, she crawled from the cosy sleeping space to find Ryker attending the camp fire.

He looked up as she neared. “We need to get moving.”

“Good morning to you too, sunshine.”

He raked his russet gaze over her dishevelled frame before throwing another log onto the hungry flames.

Nova looked around. Charlie was munching on some grass and the trees gently swayed in the breeze. Would she have an opportunity to find her escape this morning? Her ankle barely hurt, and after some food, she would be ready to run.

It was still early, the sun’s rays barely brushing the ground. Her thoughts wandered to the stream where she’d watched the fish when they’d first arrived, her heart stirring with a quiet ache.

“Is it safe to bathe in the stream?” Nova asked casually.

Her captor stood, placing his hands on his hips. “It would be. However, you’ll need to do it quickly.”

Nova nodded. “Of course.”

Ryker eyed her warily. Nova paused, her gaze lingering on him before she pivoted on her heel. Her boots sank into the soft earth with each step as she moved towards the stream. Long legs carried her with an effortless stride. The hem of her dress swirled around her ankles, catching the breeze.

Let him watch. She didn’t mind. In fact, she was quite pleased with her human body.

Nova discarded her clothing to the grass banks before she strolled down to the water’s edge. She dipped a toe in, shivering. It was indeed freezing; the coldness cutting at her skin like tiny razors.

With a held breath, Nova waded into the water until it lapped at her waist. Her skin pebbled as she sank beneath the surface. The feeling of being underwater reminded her of Ara. She felt weightless and free—like she was floating.

After a few moments, she broke through the surface and filled her lungs with air. This was exactly what her aching body needed.

“Do you mind if I bathe, too?”

The sound of Ryker’s voice pulled her around.

Nova ran her hands through her wet hair, the strands clinging to her neck and down her back. “You can do as you please.”

Ryker moved further upstream, the soft murmur of the water masking his quiet steps. He tugged his loose white shirt over his head; the fabric sliding against his skin before he let it fall carelessly to the ground. His fingers worked at the waistband of his light-brown trousers, pushing them down with a firm shove. He stepped out of the discarded clothing and stood still for a moment, exposed to the cool breeze.

Nova knew she should look away, but she found it difficult.

Her throat tightened as her eyes followed him to the water’s edge, taking in every inch of his body. His powerful legs rippled with every flex of muscle as he drew closer, his abdomen taut, chiselled, displaying the grooves of muscle that undulated beneath his skin. Every inch of him called to her, beckoning for her to reach out and trace the rigid lines of his form.

Sun-kissed skin, faintly dusted with hair, gleamed in the light, and lower still, another part of him swung with each step, thick and half-hardened. The sight of him roused something deep within her—an unfamiliar heat that made her body react in ways she had never known before.

He dove into the water head first, surfacing a few moments later.

With a flick of his inky black hair, Ryker ran his hands over his face, wiping away the excess water. His muscular torso glistened in the soft caress of the early morning light. A slow warmth pooled in Nova’s stomach, an undeniable pull at the sight before her.

Ryker caught her gaze, but his eyes soon drifted, travelling over the swell of her breasts where they broke the water’s surface. A flush of heat rose to her cheeks under his attention. The seconds stretched between them. Unable to bear the charged silence any longer, she slipped beneath the glassy surface, the cool water swallowing her whole, before rising from the stream, breathless.

Perhaps it was best to put some distance between them. Ryker had his back to her as she waded to the water’s edge.

A sudden thought occurred to Nova.

“I will change and meet you back at the tent,” Nova called out.

He turned, his gaze roaming over her from a distance, taking her in with a silent intensity. Nova felt the weight of his stare as she stood before him, completely bare, her skin tingling under his slow inspection. His eyes travelled from the tousled strands of her hair to the bare tips of her toes, lingering in a way that made her pulse quicken. A slight grin tugged at the corner of her mouth as she raised a brow, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she waited for his reaction.

Ryker sunk a little lower beneath the water, his chin grazing the surface. “Very well.”

She offered him a soft, almost playful smile before gathering her clothes and heading back up the small hill toward their camp. The air was crisp, cooling her skin as she walked, a hint of satisfaction lingering in her stride. Charlie was still grazing nearby, his ears twitching at her approach.

While Ryker was in the water, naked and vulnerable, she could make her escape. At the very least, she would have a few minutes’ head start before he realised she was gone. Despite her damp skin and dripping hair, Nova hurriedly put her clothes and shoes on. Should she take anything with her? Food or a blanket? Money?

Nova looked towards the stream one more time, but Ryker had not yet returned. She dashed inside the tent to search through his belongings. The small pouch of coins felt heavy in her hand as she shoved it into the pockets of her skirt.

Her fingers reached for the blanket but stopped just as the tips brushed the coarse fabric. It would weigh her down too much, so she left it.

With a quick glance around the forest, Nova made a run for it.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she bolted through the trees, her breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps. The dense underbrush scratched at her legs, and branches snagged her clothing, but she pushed onward, driven by the need to put distance between herself and Ryker.

She didn’t know where she was going, only that she had to get away. The surrounding forest was a maze of towering trees and tangled roots, but she navigated it with a frantic energy, her feet barely touching the ground.

If she could get far enough away and hide until nightfall, maybe she could use the moon’s glow to navigate her way to a village once the world fell into slumber.

Nova’s lungs burned, and her thighs felt like lead, but she didn’t stop. She couldn’t. Not until she was certain she was far enough.

The forest grew darker as she ran, the canopy above thickening and blocking out the golden light. She stumbled over a root, the ground rushing up to meet her with a thud. Dirt and leaves cushioned her fall, but not enough to stop the jolt of pain that shot through her body.

She lay on the ground for a moment, trying to catch her breath. Get up, she told herself. Keep going.

Tears softened the dirt on her cheeks—exhaustion kicking in—as she forced herself to her knees, every muscle protesting. She had to keep moving, had to put more distance between herself and Ryker. The urgency of her freedom propelled her forward, but her body screamed for respite.

Finally, she burst into a small clearing, her strength nearly spent. A large, dark mound in the middle of the field halted her steps. With a shaking breath, Nova froze on the spot. What was it? Ryker had told her of some creatures that roamed these parts, but they were just rumours, right?

The creature lifted its feathery head, its beak pointed skyward as it sniffed the air. Despite its birdlike maw, its ears were oddly shaped, rounded like a bear’s and twitching at every sound. Something in Nova’s gut told her not to move . . . not even breathe.

She knew there were many creatures on Earth, but she didn’t know which ones were dangerous and which ones weren’t. Nova had no desire to stick around and find out, but uncertainty gripped her—she did not know which direction to take. At this point, Ryker would know she was missing and would not be pleased.

She took a small, silent step backwards, hoping to blend in with the shadows, when a rough hand encircled her waist and another covered her mouth, stifling her screams. Cypress and vanilla touched her nose, the familiar presence of Ryker’s chest rising and falling against her back grounding her.

“It’s a Galanthor,” Ryker whispered.

The creature caught their movement, its massive owl-like head swivelling towards them. Black and auburn mottled feathers bristled along its shoulders, while its bear-like body tensed, claws digging into the Earth. Amber eyes locked onto them with predatory intent.

Nova’s body shook as the Galanthor advanced with deliberate steps through the lush meadow. Ryker’s grip was firm, guiding her backward with slow, cautious movements, but her instincts screamed to flee. How could two humans possibly stand against something so massive and powerful?

The beast moved.

“Hide!” Ryker shouted, pushing her to the side just as the creature launched itself forward, dirt flying from beneath its paws. Nova stumbled, hitting the ground hard, but Ryker’s focus was already on the Galanthor charging toward him.

He unsheathed his sword with effortless grace, confronting the towering creature. Saliva dripped from his saffron beak, its yellow eyes wide with fury.

Brushwood clung to Nova’s skirts as she scrambled from the forest floor to hide behind the thick trunk of a tree, her gaze never leaving the scene before her.

The Galanthor’s wings spread wide, casting a dark and foreboding shadow over Ryker, and with a deafening screech, it lunged. He ducked as its talons slashed through the air, barely missing his head.

Nova bit back a muffled scream.

Ryker pivoted, bringing his blade up just in time to slice through the thick feathers on its side. The creature howled in pain, however, its rage only escalated. It reared up, its claws raking across Ryker’s outstretched hand, drawing crimson blood.

Nova winced. This was all her fault. If she’d stayed with him, none of this would be happening.

With a swift movement, Ryker’s arm drew back, and he drove his sword deep into the creature’s shoulder. The Galanthor let out a piercing cry, its wings flapping violently as it staggered back. Ryker pulled the blade free, panting as the beast, wounded and furious, hesitated. With a final snarl, the Galanthor backed away, turning to flee into the safety of the forest, limping heavily.

Ryker’s chest heaved, his hand dripping with blood, as he turned to face Nova. “This is why we don’t go running off into the woods alone.”

He was right. It was foolish of her to run away. But the idea of being shipped off to a king she didn’t know didn’t seem ideal either.

Nova stood, brushing forest debris from her trembling hands.

He stalked towards her, grabbing her upper arm and dragged them back into the forest. “You’re lucky I caught you before he did.” Ryker motioned his head towards the retreating creature. “It would have eaten you alive, little star.”

Nova struggled in his grasp. “Please Ryker, I don’t want to go to the king.”

He pulled some leather binding from his trouser pocket and shook his head. “Like I’ve told you before . . . you don’t have a choice.”

She tried to resist further, but Ryker was too strong, and her energy was spent.

He tied her wrists and tugged her forward, their noses almost touching. “You run fast . . . I’ll give you that much.”