Chapter 13: The Moonlit Stroll - How the Stars Fall

Ryker gripped the edges of the porcelain sink in anguish as he stared at himself in the mirror. Nova’s scent was still strong on his senses, the feel of her skin lingering on his fingertips. She was made from stardust and cosmic essence. Velvet to the touch. Her lips were the taste of sweet nectar. Her moans like bottled moonbeams, threatening to send his mind into the galaxies.

He swore to keep his hands to himself, and he’d truly tried all evening. When Nova had stepped into the room at the beginning of the night wearing the deep burgundy gown, all sense left his mind. The red against her skin made the pale green of her eyes and pink of her lips pop. Joy had radiated from her soul as she looked at him for approval.

Then she’d gone and danced with that jackass of a stranger. How dare he touch her and pull her close? Ryker had wanted to cut the male’s hands from his body right there on the dance floor, but Nova was enjoying herself with the male—too much for his liking—yet who was he to deprive her of some fun here on Earth? He’d already stuffed it up once. He wasn’t willing to do it again.

So, he let it be. He allowed the man to carry the star across the floor in a graceful dance, purely to let Nova enjoy herself. Until he’d whisked her out of view.

Ryker had looked away for all of two minutes and when he turned back, she was gone. His heart nearly split in two. If something were to happen to Nova on his watch, he would never forgive himself.

He’d already lost a woman once.

He swore to never let her out of his sight again . . . not until he got her safely home—wherever that might be.

Then, in the room . . . all he wanted to do was make her understand.

He needed to taste her—he wanted to taste her.

And she’d been everything he dreamed she would be.

Tender lips that had never been kissed. His to bite and suck. His to trace with his own. His to memorise.

So why was his world crashing down?

He knew the answer . . . he just needed to admit it to himself. He didn’t deserve pretty things.

He didn’t deserve love because he held it dearly in his hands once . . . before he killed it. That love now haunted him. Following him everywhere he travelled. It didn’t matter if he was awake or asleep because it would invade his mind every moment of his life—consuming him until he was nothing more than an empty soul of bitterness and pain.

Painful memories rushed in like a flood, drowning his mind one flashback at a time. The emotional gates that remained like an iron fort burst open and Ryker dropped to his knees—silent sobs racking his body.

“Yolanda . . .” he whispered between the gasping breaths. “I’m so sorry.”

Ryker twisted the ruby pendant in his fingers.

It had been four years since seeing her sweet face. Four years filled with the absence of her laughter. Four years since he’d kissed her mouth. Four years of unrelenting torture trapping his mind in a constant, chaotic swirl of guilt-ridden thoughts.

Then he added to that blackness inside of him and tainted Yolanda’s name by kissing another woman. Nova didn’t deserve it, and neither did Yolanda. It couldn’t happen again . . . it wouldn’t. Pulling himself together, Ryker stood and wiped his jacket sleeve across his eyes. He knew better than to let his emotions speak louder than reason. He would apologise—something he seemed to be doing a lot of lately.

He quietly opened the door of the washroom and peeked through the crack. The room was quiet. Nova was already in bed, her soft glow adding to the illumination of the small, open space.

He moved with ease as he stepped into the darkened room to stand by the bed. Her face pulled together in a gentle frown. He was a mess, not fit to offer her anything, so why was he playing with her emotions?

* * *

The white-haired beauty that sat before him had been quiet all day. He couldn’t blame her. Ryker would be surprised if she ever wanted to speak to him again.

When he woke this morning, she was already packed and ready to go. They’d exchanged minimal words. He knew he should try to explain the way he’d acted, but the words refused to form. Maybe some time in nature would help clear both their minds and they could pick up from where they were before.

That should be the most desirable outcome.

Seagulls screeched above the expanse of the Veridian sea, their white feathers striking against the bright azure sky. The ocean-blue waters glittered under the sun like shards of shattered glass trickling through an hourglass.

Ryker’s stomach roiled as he neared the Oak’s hometown of Pebble Beach. What if Chester didn’t know anything about the last star that had fallen? Or how to get Nova home? What then? Or perhaps Chester would have answers . . . and Nova would be gone from his life forever.

That’s what he wanted, right? To send her back to safety—away from the hands of greedy, violent men.

The air was crisp, carrying the tang of salt from the distant sea as they rode along the narrow, sandy path. In the distance, the seaside village came into view, small houses dotting the shoreline like tiny specks. The wind picked up, tugging gently at their clothes, while the scent of brine and wood smoke grew stronger the closer they got.

“Are you comfortable enough?” Ryker murmured.

Nova didn’t move. “Yes.”

“Are you hungry?”

“No.”

Her voice was cold and distant. Ryker knew he needed to talk about the kiss.

She glanced over her shoulder briefly. “When will we reach your friend?”

“It’s not much further. Just on the other side of that town, you can see up ahead.”

She didn’t reply, only looked to where he pointed.

“Nova, I—”

“And how long will we stay there?” she interrupted.

Ryker’s shoulders dropped. “Perhaps a day or so. It will depend on what Chester knows and whether he can help us or not.”

Nova nodded. Her glow was non-existent. Ryker ached to see it shine again. To be the one who made her radiate.

Yet, that wasn’t to be.

They travelled in silence for the remainder of the journey, eventually arriving at the quiet, seaside village of Pebble Beach in the Eastborne region, a neighbouring land to Emberfell. Thankfully, King Branoc’s influence didn’t extend here; Eastborne had its own ruler. It should be easier to hide here—if only a little.

Ryker took in a deep breath of salty sea air, trying to stretch his back in the saddle. All this riding was starting to cause wear and tear on his body. His eyes flicked down to the star in front of him.

Despite their current situation, Ryker was still keen to introduce Nova to the Oaks. Their house was located through town and out the other side, just near the ocean shoreline. The smell of sea salt and fish hung in the air, a welcomed scent, one that reminded him of safety and comfort. He’d spent a good amount of time here a few years back when the pain of losing Yolanda had been too much to bear.

Chester had proved to be a steadfast anchor for him to cling to when the night got too dark.

“The Oaks just live on the other side of town. We will be there shortly,” Ryker murmured softly.

She nodded.

Townsfolk smiled as Ryker and Nova passed by on the shiny black stallion—Ryker nodded in greeting. He’d always liked it here and thought on many occasions that maybe the seaside would be his place of retirement one day.

The small village hugged the rocky shoreline, its cobblestone streets winding between quaint cottages with weathered, whitewashed walls and faded blue shutters. Fishing boats, their sails tethered, bobbed gently in the harbour, while seagulls circled overhead, their cries mingling with the soft lapping of waves.

It didn’t take them long to reach the other side of the town. Charlie followed the man-made trail towards a few houses scattered along the beachfront. Still, Nova remained silent. Perhaps some female company would help. He’d try to speak with her before they slept tonight.

He pulled Charlie to a stop outside a small cabin that sat nestled on a bluff overlooking the crystal-blue ocean. It was made of a pale white wood and had a thatched, gable roof. After easing down from Charlie’s back, Ryker helped Nova to the ground. Together, they walked to the front door and Ryker stepped forward to knock gently. A few moments later, it opened, and they were greeted by a woman in her late twenties. She had long, wavy caramel-coloured hair, tanned skin and golden-brown eyes.

“Ryker!” she squealed with delight, throwing herself into his arms.

He chuckled at her enthusiasm, drawing her in for a warm embrace. “Hello Pippa.”

“It’s been much too long. Where have you been?” Pippa cried as she pulled back to look into his face. “Chester is going to be so pleased to see you!”

Ryker grinned as he stepped aside, revealing a very timid looking Nova.

Pippa’s eyes widened. “Who is this, then?”

“Nova, this is Pippa, Pippa . . . Nova,” Ryker introduced the two women.

“You are the most delightful creature I have ever seen. Is this your new lady . . . ?”

“No . . . she’s not.” Ryker interrupted a little too sharply. “Sorry, no. She is just someone I am helping. We’ve come to see Chester in hopes he will have some answers for us.”

Pippa’s eyes dulled a little but didn’t lose their spark. “Oh, I see. Well, please come in. Chester will be home shortly. I’ll put on some tea. There is much to talk about.”

Ryker smiled as she ushered them in, this is what coming home felt like.

* * *

Chester didn’t look a year older than his last visit: rich brown skin with a hint of his years, a mop of dark, curly hair, and a smile as infectious as his wife’s.

“I can’t say I’ve personally experienced a celestial being before. Though I’ve heard the stories that are whispered,” he murmured softly before drawing in a puff of his cigar.

The men were on the back porch that overlooked the ocean below and a small forest in the distance. Both held a glass of rum in one hand and a cigar in the other. Ryker rarely smoked on his own, but in the company of Chester it was a ritual to trade cigars, then share both a drink and their stories.

“Do you think the previous fallen star still roams this Earth?” Ryker glanced across to Chester.

“It’s possible.”

Ryker sipped his rum, the liquor lightly burning his throat on the way down. “I wouldn’t even know where to start looking for her.”

“There is someone up in the Twin Peaks mountain range who is said to have known the fallen star. You could start there?”

The words piqued Ryker’s interest. His brow knitted together as he caught his friend’s eye. “Do you know exactly where?”

“All I know is it’s rumoured she lives on the mountain on the left. I haven’t seen it for myself.”

“She?”

Chester nodded before taking a drag of his cigar. “I’ve heard she dabbles in darker arts. I don’t know if she would have answers, but I fear she may be your only hope.”

Ryker sipped his drink again. “How did you find out about her?”

Chester shrugged. “When you do the work, I do—you hear things.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

It was rare in this part of the world to wield magic. The darker kind was even rarer still. If this mysterious woman had found a way to tap into the ancient magic, perhaps she could give them a way to send Nova home.

Ryker pondered the new information. Would he risk it? What if this woman turned out to be evil? Killed Ryker with some spell or another and kept Nova for herself?

He let his gaze roam to the women in the garden. Nova was too full of hope and light for him to let her be taken by evil again—she was to be treasured.

The sun was setting, sending a warm orange glow across the ocean, though the dark clouds that scattered over the skies muted the orange tones. Its glittering surface turned from diamond and azure to amber and sapphire hues.

Ryker stood and leaned against the porch railing, watching Nova with a gentle smile. She knelt in the soft Earth, her fingers brushing over the leaves of a vibrant green carrot top. Her face lit up with childlike joy as she tugged gently, pulling the orange root free from the ground. “Look at this one!” she exclaimed, turning to Pippa, who was busy inspecting a row of plump tomatoes nearby.

Pippa chuckled, wiping dirt from her hands onto her apron. “That’s a beauty, Nova. You’re getting the hang of this.”

Nova grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She reached for another vegetable, her enthusiasm growing with each successful pull. The surrounding garden was lush and alive, rows of beans, squash, and leafy greens swaying gently in the late afternoon breeze.

His eyes followed Nova as she moved through the rows, laughing with Pippa, her energy infectious. He’d never seen her so carefree, her hands covered in dirt, but her essence glowing brighter than before.

Thankfully, here at the cottage there were no prying eyes to see her, so there was no need to cover her up.

Nova paused for a moment, brushing a strand of hair from her face and glancing towards him. She waved the carrot with a grin, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Ryker gave a small nod in return, his heart warming at the sight of her so at ease, surrounded by something as simple yet grounding as a vegetable garden.

It was likely one of the few moments of peace that Nova had been allowed since she fell to Earth.

Chester stood and moved to his side. “How’s your heart holding up?”

Ryker understood the deeper meaning behind the question. He took a slow sip of the warm, sweet drink and shrugged.

“She would want you to be happy, you know?”

Dark brown eyes met his as he turned to face Chester.

“She would want you to keep living your life,” Chester continued.

Ryker shifted uncomfortably on his feet. It was hard keeping things to himself. And the words wanted to come out—they sat on the tip of his tongue, waiting for the excuse to tumble from his lips in a cry of relief. “I kissed her. I kissed her, Chester. And now I feel as if I have danced on the grave of my love without caring for the consequences.”

The truth settled between them for a moment.

His friend stood beside him, his hand resting on Ryker’s shoulder. A gesture of support and love. “You’ve got to stop doing that to yourself, Ry. Yolanda is gone, but you are still here, and she wouldn’t want you to live the rest of your life alone. You’re allowed to love again,” Chester murmured.

Ryker shook his head. “I’m not sure I can.”

“Of course you can. It will be hard at first and your mind will scream at you to stop, but your heart needs this, friend. It’s alright to find happiness.”

Nova glanced up from the garden and caught his eye. Her glow grew brighter. So bright that Ryker feared it would be seen for miles around. He offered a gentle smile, a silent plea for forgiveness. The corner of Nova’s mouth crept up slowly and Ryker’s heart thudded in his chest.

Perhaps she would be his saving grace.

He didn’t want to admit it to himself, but Chester’s words seeped into his soul and found their home there.

* * *

Could he love again? Could Nova be his light in the dark?

The ocean lazily lapped against the sandy shore as Ryker and Nova walked side by side. Above them, the sliver of moon bathed the world in pale silver, casting gentle shadows and making the wet sand glisten under its light. The sky was a sea of stars, each one twinkling like a tiny beacon, while a few heavy clouds drifted lazily across, occasionally veiling the moon, hiding her from sight.

Nova’s eyes were wide with wonder as she gazed up at the sky, the celestial display mirrored in her own starry gaze. Ryker’s boots sunk into the sand. He was silent beside her, his hand brushing against hers now and then, but he didn’t force the touch.

“I miss them, you know,” she murmured.

“Who do you miss?” Ryker replied, though his gaze wasn’t on the sky. He was watching her. The way the moonlight kissed her skin, making her glow like the stars above. She was a part of it all—the sky, the ocean, the endless night.

“My sisters.”

“You have siblings in Ara?”

Silvery white strands brushed the shoulders of her gown as Nova nodded. “We are all one big family.”

“You only have sisters?”

Nova glanced at him and smiled. “Yes. All celestial beings are female.”

Salty sea breezes washed over them as their steps carried them further from the Oak’s home. After dinner, Ryker had excused himself and Nova. He knew he needed to talk to her. The weight of their kiss sat heavy on his chest, so he’d taken her down to the ocean shores, hoping to free his mind of its tormenting remarks.

“Do you know all of your sisters’ names?”

“Of course, but two in particular are my favourite.”

Ryker studied her profile, captivated by the delicate curve of her lips, which turned up ever so slightly at the corners whenever she spoke of her home. Her high cheekbones framed her face elegantly, and her lashes brushed against her skin each time she blinked.

“What are their names?”

Nova stilled. Tipping her head back, she looked towards the dark velvet sky. “Soleil and Tierra. We share a dwelling together.”

Ryker didn’t want to tear his gaze from the star that shone beside him, but the way her voice carried towards the heavens with such raw love for her sisters had him staring into the galaxy.

He leaned closer so his shoulder brushed her arm ever so lightly. “Do they look like you?”

She glanced at him and shook her head. “I don’t even look like me here.”

Ryker couldn’t imagine what Nova would have looked like as a celestial being in the heavens, but he knew for a fact that no matter which form he saw her in—she would be beautiful.

“Our bodies aren’t like human bodies,” Nova continued. “We can shift our forms to resemble humanoid figures when interacting with each other, but our essence is pure energy and starlight.”

“No wonder the world wants you for themselves,” Ryker murmured.

Nova looked up at him with a small smile. Her fingers brushed his briefly. “Tierra has the palest skin you can imagine, like fresh snow under moonlight. Her eyes . . . they’re lilac, with flecks of gold. It’s mesmerising. And her hair—jet black, darker than the night sky. She glows with this golden light, as if the sun itself is embracing her.”

Ryker smiled softly, picturing the image. “And the other?”

“Soleil,” Nova continued, her voice brightening as she spoke, “her skin is this rich mocha colour, like the raw soil at dusk. Her eyes are dark blue, like the deepest parts of the ocean. Her hair is caramel, flowing like sunbeams. And when she glows, it’s this soft, warm pink.”

There was a sadness in her voice as she spoke. Ryker knew all too well the pain the absence of a loved one caused. He wanted to reach for her and comfort her.

“I’m sorry you can’t be with them right now.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Perhaps we will find a way home for you soon and you won’t miss them anymore.”

“Did Chester have any answers?”

“He seems to think there is a woman who can help us.”

Nova looked up at him again, her sea-green eyes filling with a morsel of hope. “Does she live near here?”

Ryker nodded. “See those mountains in the distance?”

Nova followed his gaze. “Yes . . . The two big ones?”

“Twin Peaks. She lives on the one to the left.” Ryker ran his hand through his hair. “It will take us a day or so to reach it.”

They continued to amble along the sandy shores for a short while. Ryker wanted to relish in the peace and quiet for as long as he could. It wouldn’t be long before they’d be on the road again, avoiding guards, bounty hunters, and maybe pirates—especially in this area. The closer they were to the ocean, the more likely it would be that he’d run into Sable Bloodfin—they always found themselves at the same place at the same time, not least of all because he’d been paid to capture a member of her crew a time or two. With Nova in tow, he’d rather not run into her again.

Nova walked a little ahead of him, her feet sinking into the soft sand as the waves lapped quietly at the shore. The full moon shone upon the surface of the ocean, shaping a moon lit path ahead of them. The beach looked almost ethereal, as if they were walking in her world instead of his. She stopped suddenly, looking out over the ocean, her arms wrapped around herself.

Ryker stepped closer, sensing something on her mind. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” he asked gently.

Nova sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t know what to do, Ryker,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I always thought Ara was my home, that it was where I belonged. But now, being here in this part of the world . . . things are different.”

He watched her closely, his brow furrowed. “Different how?”

She turned to face him, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. “I’m starting to wonder if I want to go back at all. I miss my sisters, of course, but . . .” She paused, searching for the right words. “Earth feels alive in a way Ara doesn’t. Here, I can feel the wind on my skin, the ground beneath my feet. I can taste the food, hear the music. It’s real—tangible.”

“Not everything is as beautiful as it seems, though.”

“You of all people should know that I know that.” Nova turned to face him. “But I want the good and the bad. I want to experience it all . . . I want to experience love.”

She looked up at him in a way that made his heart erratic. Her face shimmered as though it had been dusted with the finest starlight. Her lips were full and slightly parted, inviting him to taste her again.

Ryker smiled. “I think the world would be honoured to experience you, Nova.”

She huffed softly as she reached for his arm and gently squeezed it.

Ryker hesitated, scuffing the sand with his boot. “Nova, I wanted to apologise for the other night at the tavern.”

Her gaze dropped to the waves lapping at the shore.

“It was wrong of me to kiss you and then leave you like that.”

“Why did you leave?” Her voice was a whisper.

Ryker exhaled heavily, his hands slipping out of his trouser pockets. He raised them to his head, fingers combing through his unruly black hair. Talking about his past was like reopening old wounds, each memory cutting deep, like a dull, rusty knife twisting in his chest.

It was still too hard to tell the story.

“Because I frightened myself.”

Nova dipped her toe into the cold water that continually reached for them before running away again. She looked at him, lifting an eyebrow. “Ryker . . . the bounty hunter . . . scared?”

A small grin played on his lips. “Beautiful women scare me—I’ll admit it.”

“I promise I won’t bite.”

The sudden laughter that bubbled from his stomach caused him to clamp a hand over his mouth. It had been too long since he’d laughed so freely. Nova seemed to be awakening parts of him that he believed were long gone.

“I’ll remember that.” She flashed him a grin and began to undo the buttons on her gown.

“What are you doing?”

The navy gown dropped to the damp glistening sand—soon joined by Nova’s undergarments. “I’m going for a swim.”

He felt his eyes widen as Nova stepped into the icy waters, her hair trailing behind her like pearlescent ribbons. The soft shimmer of the sea mirrored the stars, reflecting like a thousand tiny jewels scattered across the surface. With a playful grin, she took a step forward, letting the water rise to her ankles, then her knees.

The star marking in the centre of her chest began to pulse with a faint light. It wasn’t the first time he caught a glimpse of it. But seeing it now, glowing against her naked skin, made Ryker’s fingers itch to touch it.

“Nova, please be careful . . .”

She laughed, the sound light and carefree as she waded deeper, her hands skimming the water’s surface. She splashed at the waves, twirling under the moon’s soft glow.

Ryker bit his bottom lip as he watched the water kiss her body in all the places he wished he could. Her milky-white skin glistened with water droplets, each one trailing down her body like a tiny comet. Nova twirled around, beads of water catching in the air around her, sparkling like stardust.

He wished his body didn’t respond in the way that it was. She wasn’t just a beautiful woman that he wished to bed. She was a rare and unearthly thing, not of this world, yet here she was, playing in the ocean as though she belonged to the Earth, the sky, and everything in between.