A Court of Lost Stars-Chapter 4: A New Life in the Court of Dreams

Feyre heard nothing but the thunder of her heart in her ears as they hurtled through time and space across the forest. Nova, lying on the ground, spilled her blood into the moss beneath.

Clamped around her right thigh was a gnarly trap Feyre recognized as commonly used for bears. Its dagger-like teeth were embedded so deeply in the muscle of her thigh that if she looked down at the right angle, she could see bone. Instinctively, Feyre lurched forward to pry the trap off, but Rhys pulled her back as Nova thrashed, shrieking through bared teeth.

"We need to be sure we won't make it worse. This kind of wound needs to be taken care of properly. That's not something we can do here."

Everyone exchanged a frown as Nova dug her fingers into the earth. She clawed it into clumps as blood flowed profusely down her leg. It was clear what had to be done. Feyre nodded in silent understanding and took hold of the chain that connected to the trap she was attached to while Rhys wrapped his arms around Nova's torso, pinning her arms to her sides- her screams changed from agony to terror. Az wrapped a secure arm around Mor's side, and in the next instant, they were all laid out in the center room of the townhouse as Nova thrashed and wailed among them.

"Easy, easy."

Rhys locked his arms around his daughter to keep her upper body still, but as he did she slammed her head back against his mouth. While his busted lower lip bled, he continued to soothe her. Gently rocking her side to side, even as she desperately strained against his hold. Nova's face flushed maroon as she continued to struggle, wriggling and squirming with all her might.

"Cassian, hold her legs. Feyre, Mor. Get that fucking thing off her."

Rhys' voice was calm, for Nova's sake. He breathed in sharply as Nova lunged forward, sinking her teeth deeply into his forearm. She either didn't notice or didn't care that blood gushed between her teeth.

Everyone jumped to work at once.

While Cas held her legs, with some difficulty, as his first attempt resulted in her foot catching his jaw, Feyra and Mor worked to release the contraption from her with as little damage to the area as possible. Rhysand continued to gently rock her, holding Nova in a firm hug as Azriel leaned down in front of her.

Her eyes flashed up and she snarled at him before tightening her bite on Rhys' arm.

Calmly, Az ghosted his fingers up and along her jaw. Finding the joint where her jaw met her skull, he began gently massaging the area. Slowly, Nova lost the ability to control the clenched muscles, and the grip of her bite loosened enough that Rhys could pull his arm free. In its place, Azriel offered a warm, wet washcloth to her mouth. She promptly bit down and chewed vigorously as Mor and Feyre finally managed to pry the metal from her leg.

"Welcome home?" Amren asked, standing studiously to the side with a glass of blood at her lips.

Feyre looked up, swiping the sweat that clung to her forehead. "Yeah, thanks for the assistance."

She gave a shrug and looked down at Nova, who, while still in Rhys' embrace, had gone still. Her head sagged a little, still chewing the washcloth.

"It'll need to be cleaned," Feyre murmured and glanced at Rhys

She smiled.

She couldn't help it. He was holding their daughter- despite the circumstances. She was here, in Velaris, and he held her in an embrace they'd dreamt of for fifteen years. As inappropriate as it was to smile, she couldn't stop herself. Rhys seemed to understand as he smiled in return and continued rocking from side to side. Something he would have done to soothe her as an infant.

However, Nova wasn't an infant, and they'd have to remember that.

Glancing down at the mutilated area, she watched her leg shake violently.

"Do you think she's in shock?" Fyere whispered as Mor draped a thick blanket across her body.

"I'll call for Madja." Amren nodded, setting her now empty glass down.

"What?" Rhys looked up, and they all stared at her in confusion. "Madja's alive?"

Amren smirked and walked out the door.

Madja sat near the edge of the carpet. With a cup of tea in hand, she silently observed Nova. It had taken some Illyrian muscle and a bit of tonic to keep her still enough for Madja to clean her wounds properly. The aftermath was something to behold, but they righted the furniture after Nova was too exhaustion won over.

"She puts up a hell of a fight." Cas sighed as he collapsed on the couch before taking a long drink from his glass.

Rhys sat on the floor next to Feyre, who was situated near the carpet where Nova lay. He quirked up a smile. "Just like her mother." He pressed a soft kiss against Feyre's ear.

There was so much to process all at once. Not only had their daughter returned, but after fifteen years of being on her own...she was finally home. They were finally home. When Madja entered the townhouse an hour ago, she explained what happened after their group had been captured. Yes, some members of Velaris perished in the battle, but many took refuge in the library.

They hid in Bryaxis' lair.

Cassian had shuddered at that detail.

Over the past fifteen years, they had let Valeris fall prey to the vines and mice that infiltrated. They never cleaned—never rebuilt. They allowed the City of Starlight to fall to ruin, to appear as though no one and nothing could inhabit the space. Anyone who bothered to enter the rubble would find no reason to stay. Little did they know that just beneath their feet, the people of Velaris still lived and continued to create life. Their numbers had doubled since the attack, and now that their protectors had returned with new and improved security, it was time to rebuild.

"She seems healthy," Madja nodded, "I'll need time to build a relationship with her before I can even think about a physical assessment."

Nova had been lying on the carpet in front of the fire since they'd released her from their arms. She'd crawled away, huffing in disoriented anger, and collapsed on the rug. Though, she didn't sleep, at least she was calm. Nova stroked her fingers lightly back and forth against the soft fabric of the carpet, completely mesmerized by it. Feyre watched her daughter continue chewing the washcloth Azriel had given her. It was like she couldn't let it go.

"You need to understand there is a long road ahead," Madja said gently, locking eyes with Rhys and Feyre.

They were silent for a moment before Rhysand slowly nodded. "She'd been without social contact the majority of her life."

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Madja nodded, her eyes gentle. "You say she was separated at the age of three. She has the mind of a very young child but not the function of one. She has the mental capacity; what she lacks is exposure. She's tired right now, but she's inquisitive. She'll learn quickly, but it won't be easy. A three-year-old throwing a temper tantrum is containable. My advice to you is not to teach her anything about her abilities. Not yet. No flying, no fighting. Let her learn to talk and understand before you give her the ability to use and abuse her power."

Feyre nodded slowly, taking in a slow, shaky breath. She was exhausted, and there was so much to do the next day, but she couldn't relax when Nova was still awake.

"I'll return soon to see how she's adjusting," Madja said, standing to her feet.

Cas offered to take her home, leaving Az and Mor on the couch. Amren had returned to her apartment while Nova was tearing at the boys like a scratching post. The rest of the room watched Nova as she watched her fingers glide over the carpet.

"You think she's ever slept on anything soft?" Feyre mused sadly. She was no stranger to hardship, but at least she'd had a roof over her head. She'd had a bed to sleep on and people to talk to.

Rhys pressed his lips against her temple. "I think she'll experience many new things we might often take for granted. Like soft carpet and a washcloth." He couldn't help but chuckle, rubbing his jaw.

"When will you introduce her to the others?" Mor asked gently.

"Hm," Feyre smiled, "it would probably be easier to let one in at a time. Let her adjust..."

"Nesta can wait." Rhys pursed his lips, and while Feyre wanted to have a reason to argue, but she couldn't give one. Elain would be nurturing no matter what, and Lucien would be patient, but Nesta...Nova and Nesta in the same room too soon, might be a nightmare.

"Let's give her some time to adjust with us first before we bring in any new faces. Aside from Madja, of course." Feyre nodded.

It was then that she realized Nova's breathing had changed. Slow and steady, her eyelids fluttered just a little before completely closing. Careful not to wake her, Rhys picked up a quilt and gently draped it over her just as Cassian re-entered.

They all slept in the living room that night.

The mix of tonic and exhaustion had kept Nova asleep for a long time. She was curled up in a ball under her blanket when Mor stepped in and smiled. "There's food on the table," she paused and waited for Feyre or Rhys to answer, "You'll have to leave her some time." Mor finally added, in a gentle tone.

Feyre glanced up and nodded with a tight smile before looking back at Nova. They'd slept on and off all night, waking to ensure she was still there. Each time Feyre convinced herself it wasn't a dream, she'd fall back asleep to wake up an hour later and repeat the process.

"Come on," Rhys squeezed her thigh, "She's right. We need to take time for ourselves, too."

They still hadn't bathed.

"We'll babysit," Cas smirked as he stood and stretched from where he'd lounged on the couch opposite Az.

"She's not a baby."

Silence.

Perhaps her tone was a little too harsh, but she also didn't like her being referred to as such. Nova wasn't an infant. She was a teenager...

"I'm sorry," Cas nodded with a frown, "that was a bad joke."

Feyre pursed her lips and turned to him. "I know. I'm sorry for snapping. I just...I'm dirty and hungry and..." She looked over at Nova, her face smooth of the scowl she'd worn since they'd first seen her. "And I got to hold her once, and now my baby isn't a baby."

Rhys threaded their fingers together as a heavy weight filled the room. The elation of finding their daughter now battled the loss they'd endured. He didn't say a word as he pulled her to his side and guided her away from the room. It allowed her to let the tears fall without eyes, and for that, she was grateful.

One long hot bath later, Feyre left the bedroom with wobbly legs. Only moments ago, Rhysand was buried deep inside her. They'd managed to keep a respectable amount of noise at least, but Mor grinned as they descended the stairs.

"Feel better?"

Feyre narrowed her eyes but smirked and shrugged as Rhys laughed.

Everyone froze.

On the carpet in front of the fireplace, Nova was sitting up. Her injured leg looked a bit awkward with all the bandages, but she seemed well-rested. Rubbing her eyes, she looked around, and everyone held their breath. The scowl was back in place, and her sights were set on them—the people who had taken her from her home. The home she'd known, at least.

"I'll bet she's thirsty." Mor left, and it wasn't long before she returned with a glass of water. She slowly walked toward the carpet.

Nova froze, her entire body stiffening as Mor set the glass at her side. It seemed to take hours for the seconds to pass as Mor retreated to allow Nova the space she needed. Her eyes slowly slid to the glass of water. Her brow furrowed as she turned and stare at it. It occurred Feyre that she'd likely only drank from the river or the trees as she had that night by the fire when the rain poured. Nova, ever curious, reached for the water. Her fingertips lightly touched the smooth glass before poking it. The glass fell, spilling out the contents.

"Maybe she'd prefer a bowl?" Feyre asked, cringing. Giving their daughter a bowl to drink from sounded...vile.

Nova slapped her hand down on the soaked carpet, splattering it everywhere. Yet she did it again...and again.

What is she doing?

"She's learning," Rhys responded with a small smile, "She'll learn this whole new world around her, and we'll need to give her room to explore and grow."

Mor smiled. "She'll still need to eat and drink. She's not in the forest anymore."

Pursing her lips into a tight line, Feyre nodded. "Nova?"

Nova didn't turn away from the glass she examined. She tipped it upside down and held it up to her eye to see inside.

"Nova." Rhys raised his voice just a little. It wasn't a yell, just a different tone, but Nova looked over and lowered the glass. She stared at him, confused and waiting. Then he did what Feyre herself was terrified to do. Rhysand walked to Nova, knelt, and offered her his hand. She stared at it, as she did with most things, but this seemed different. Feyre could watch the thoughts cross her face, unsure what to do with the token she'd been offered.

Unsure if it was the memory of being protected in the forest from those men, or the way Rhys had rocked her while she shook from her injuries the night before, or maybe some strange way of fate...but Nova took his hand and let him pull her to her feet.

Mor slipped a nightgown over Nova just after Madja started taping her wounds. The cloak itself had been a nasty gateway to infection, but now they could see more of her.

To their relief, she wasn't malnourished.

Nova was tall for fifteen; she had seemed much smaller before, but Feyre remembered she'd always been crouching. It was evident she hadn't gone hungry in her environment. She was built with lean muscle that hadn't shied from protein and exercise.

The only thing that made Nova look any different than any other hardworking Illyrian was her stance. It wasn't easy to put into words, but the way she walked and held herself was almost like an animal. A bear? Or a wolf? Sometimes a doe? Feyre watched the way she moved with Rhys toward the dining hall in fascination. She supposed it was possible she'd gain characteristics of the animals she'd been exposed to, so what animal was she mimicking?

The image hit her suddenly.

"She walks like a fox. Timid- almost, but sly."

Az frowned as he watched. He said nothing, though he continued to observe her as they crossed into the dining room, where a massive array of breakfast items lay sprawled across the table. Stepping to the side, Rhys let Nova's hand go, gestured to the table, and smiled.

"It's time to eat."

Nova turned her head and looked at him. She tilted her head in confusion before turning back to the spread. She stood there, with her eyes roaming the table, but made no effort to move forward.

"Maybe we lead by example?" Cas asked, raising a brow.

Everyone moved at the same time and took a place at the table. Feyre sat in the middle on one side with Rhys beside her, leaving the seat to her left open to Nova. With everyone seated, Feyre patted the chair cushion as an invitation and smiled.

"Come sit."

Nova stared.

They stared back.

"Look," Mor held up a bowl of creamed oats. She dug in with her spoon and brought it to her mouth, "Food."

Nova crinkled her nose but slowly ventured to the table. She stared down at the chair, considering, then managed to sit with some maneuvering. Sort of. Her bottom wasn't on the seat. She was half crouched, half-sitting, but Feyre wasn't about to correct her. Sitting across from Nova, Azriel placed a piece of toast on her plate. It was something plain, something simple to start. It was a good idea, but Nova only stared at it with a scowl.

"Lead by example," Cas repeated himself.

Everyone, except Nova, dug into their food and began eating. Feyre had missed breakfasts like these. Cheese and grapes, oats, and...cinnamon rolls! Her tastebuds were dancing, but when she glanced at Nova, she couldn't help but frown. Nova sat there, watching them eat. Her eyes roamed up and down the table, and slowly, her shoulders sagged. Her scowl softened to something different. It was sadness. Her stomach growled, and everyone looked over, their utensils pausing in the air.

"Nova," Feyre frowned as she pointed to the food, "You can eat. This food is for you too."

She scanned the banquet again and, with a soft, defeated sigh, lowered her head to rest on the table. She stared at the toast on her plate but took no action to taste it.

"Maybe the tonic has made her nauseous." Mor guessed.

Feyre looked down at her leg, the wrappings didn't seem to bother her. Hesitantly, she reached forward and touched the back of her hand to her forehead, and to her surprise, Nova didn't pull away. "She doesn't feel warm."

Meeting Rhys' eyes, he frowned and looked at the food half-eaten across the table. "Or we're not offering the right food." He mused and glanced up. "Imagine all you've ever known to eat is what the area around you provides."

"Like fish." Feyre started. "We caught plenty while we were there. She was probably living off them."

Azriel nodded. "Don't forget how she would have prepared it."

Nova's stomach growled again, and she sank lower in her chair.

"You're right. She wouldn't have cooked anything. She would have eaten everything...raw."

Cas pulled a face just as an uncooked trout flopped onto Nova's plate. She lifted her head immediately, brows raised in surprise, but a gleeful light filled her eyes before she snatched it off the plate. She sank her teeth in, crunching through the scales and bones, uncaring of the blood that gushed up and squirted out. They all watched her devour the raw trout, and a bit of Feyre'as breakfast burned the back of her throat. She slowly looked over at Rhys with an arched brow, and his tight-lipped smile said it all.

"Fed first, manners later." Her mate finally managed.

With the breakfast table cleared away, Nova regained her spot on the carpet. She took the blanket in her arms and held it tight to her chest as she stared down at her bandaged thigh. Feyre took a spot a foot away from her and frowned as she looked her over. She did need to bathe, but a new fear arose as she took in the state of her hair.

"It's not just a few tangles," she glanced over at Rhys and then Mor before carefully reaching to touch her hair, "it's completely matted. I didn't think it was this bad from afar, but..." Feyre must have touched her hair too much in the wrong spot because Nova's head whipped around. With an open mouth, she lunged for her wrist.

It happened so quickly.

Rhys pulled Feyre to the side and took her place, blocking Nova's teeth with his hand like a shield. The glint in his eyes, the expression he wore...Rhys would not tolerate Nova biting, a stage they would have thought they'd not have to deal with. Suddenly, her mate wasn't just the protector of Velaris or her best friend; he was the father to her child, and he, just as she would, do his best to teach Nova right from wrong.

"You will not bite your mother." He didn't yell, didn't so much as raise his voice, but his tone was rigid with authority.

If looks could kill, Rhys would be gasping his last breath. Nova glared at him, nostrils flaring, but he didn't drop his gaze as he offered her the washcloth from the previous night.

"If you need to bite something, you bite this."

Nova looked down at the washcloth and snagged it from his hand but didn't bite it. No, she tucked it into her blanket as if burying a treasure.

"I wonder what she did with my shoelace..." Cas mused out loud, and Az let out a soft sigh.

Feyre swallowed. "Madja said it's important that she bathes and we re-dress her wounds."

"We're going to need more tonic," Mor cringed, "I don't see how she'll let us."

Rhys managed a small, amused smile as he watched Nova try to look through the blanket's fabric. "Well, this might help at least," he snapped his fingers, and her hair turned from a massive web of knots and mats to smooth and silky hair that was much longer than anticipated, "it'll still need to be washed, but at least it won't be as painful."

"It'll be fine," Cas shrugged, "Maybe if you just have the tub ready she'll get the idea. She's likely bathed in a stream before, at least. What's the worst that could happen?"

A few minutes later, Feyre and Mor had run warm water in the tub, complete with soap and luxuriously thick body wash that smelled like fresh apricots. Even if she didn't use the shampoo, the body wash would still at least freshen her hair.

Nova's bathroom was the same one Feyre had had when she'd first arrived at the townhouse; she had the same room. It was a perfect size and just far enough that she had her own space but allowed them to know if she needed any help. It had the best view of Velaris, and Feyre was adamant she had that. Rhys guided Nova into the bathroom. It seemed she would only follow if he asked and held his hand out, but Feyre wouldn't complain if it got her in there.

She gestured to the tub. "You can wash away the dirt," she said, pointing to Nova's fingernails.

Looking around the room, Nova seemed immediately curious about everything there. This could be easier than she thought; if she figured out how to use the items, it would only be a matter of time until she became more self-sufficient.

"We'll be right out here." Feyre smiled and closed the door to let Nova bathe. Just as she did, Nesta's voice floated through the halls. Feyre's eyes widened as she sent a look at Rhys, then looked over at Cas, Mor, and Az.

"No one is meeting her yet. She needs more time to adjust and doesn't need the added stress. Mor, Az, stay up here in case Nova needs anything," she said, looking at Cas. "You are going to help keep my sister at bay."

Cas smirked and shrugged. "I think I can do that."

Rolling her eyes, Feyre left the bedroom and quickly descended the stairs to the main sitting room. It wasn't just Nesta standing there. Elain was there, and Lucien too. Great. With an easy swoop of his hand, Rhys took hold of Feyre's and smiled as they stopped before the group.

"You're all safe." Elain let out a sigh and smiled. "We've missed you..."

"Where's my niece?" Nesta asked blatantly.

Feyre managed a smile. "Glad to see you too."

"She isn't taking visitors right now," Rhys replied, "and that boundary will be respected."

Amren, who had arrived and now lounged on the couch, smirked. "Seeing what kind of competition you have for most powerful princess?" She took a long drag of her glass, the blood staining her teeth.

Nesta glared at Amren before looking at Feyre. "All this time of saying you want your family close and together, and you won't let us see her?"

"She isn't Elain," Feyre responded, meeting Nesta's narrowed gaze. Elain, the flower she was, couldn't be further from Nova than night and day. Whatever Nesta's motivations, she wouldn't be influential in Nova's life. Not yet, not while Nova was still learning such fundamental basics.

Cas snaked an arm around Nesta's waist, but she smacked his hand away.

"And you," she glared at him, "I saw you for two minutes, and then you were gone."

"Miss me?" Cas quirked a grin.

Nesta snarled. "Not in the slightest."

Lucien shifted his weight on his feet and pursed his lips awkwardly. "I'm very glad you're all back safe." He nodded, followed by a small, genuine smile.

Feyre couldn't help but smile then and nodded. "It's good to be home."

CRASH. BANG. THWACK.

Everyone tilted their heads back to look at the ceiling as what sounded like a leaky hose...exploded? Glancing over at the sound of squeaky footsteps on the stairs, Az appeared and paused. He was drenched, his hair dripping where he stood. Azriel stared at them all as Rhysand's grin grew in amusement.

"We need more towels..."

Re-dressing Nova's wound wasn't as nasty as it could have been, but that didn't mean it was easy. As Cas and Az cleaned the bathroom, which had probably become cleaner than Nova- Mor and Rhys wrapped up Nova's leg with only a couple of kicks to the chin. Feyre sat on the couch, retelling the story of their travels, from finding a vacant spot where the cabin had been to bringing Nova back snagged in a bear trap.

Lucien's eye whirred, brows raised. "She can't speak at all?"

Pursing her lips, Feyre shrugged. "I don't think she's incapable. I think she's never had a reason to. She makes noises, I suppose, but she doesn't seem to understand anything we say."

Nova skidded to a stop at the top of the stairs, acting as though she didn't have an injury, but she halted and looked down with raised brows. She was now dressed in a simple black tunic and pants.

"Ah, I see she's feeling a bit better," Madja said as she entered the townhouse.

Rhys smiled and stood with her at the top of the stairs, gesturing for her to go down, but Nova didn't move. "She certainly has more energy," Rhysand chuckled, then glanced at Feyre, "I did try to keep her in the room, but I wasn't going to trap her when she wanted out..."

Feyre pursed her lips but nodded with understanding.

Nova slowly descended the steps sideways, like scaling down a mountainside. She was careful where she placed each step, as though she might lose her footing. Perhaps she had, while in the wilderness, a lesson learned she didn't want to repeat.

"You knew about all this?" Nesta asked Madja with a slight sneer.

Madja turned her gaze on Nesta and arched a brow. "I do not disclose information on my patients. As you well know." Nesta was quiet after that and let her attention be drawn to Nova, who made it to the bottom of the stairs—Az, Cas, and Mor followed shortly after.

"Did she take a bath, or did you?" Elain asked with a slight smile as she appeared with dripping hair and clothes.

Nova froze and looked at the new people in the space. She didn't so much as glance at Madja but skirted around the other three while going to retrieve her blanket. Picking it up, eyes on them, she stuffed something else in her blanket that had now become a treasure trove.

"She wouldn't wear the socks we gave her, but she wouldn't give them back either." Mor nodded in response to Feyre's raised brow.

Just as Nova was about to sit down in front of the fire, Lucien's eye whirred, and she looked up and all around. Trying to pinpoint where the noise came from. When her sights set on Lucien, she set her blanket down and slunk to him, wearing her scowl of curiosity. Lucien, the brave soul, sat completely still as Nova observed him, though he did put a hand up when she reached forward, put it plainly, tried to grab his eye.

"Sorry, I kind of need that..."

Nova tilted her head as his eye whirred again, looking more like a puppy than a girl.

"Nova," Rhys smirked when she looked over at him, and at that moment, Feyre realized she was beginning to respond to her name.

Relief flooded her as Madja smiled, "That's a good sign. What has she had today?"

"Fish," Rhys answered as he offered Nova a glass of water to see if she'd drink from it this time, "Nothing else. Just a raw trout."

"Raw?" Elain asked with a slight squeak.

"It's all she knows," Az replied gently, "We could probably introduce other foods, too. Things from where she's roamed."

"She could look through my garden." Elain offered.

Feyre smiled and reached over, squeezing her sister's hand. "I think that's a great idea, thank you." Nova took hold of Rhys's glass with both hands and looked into it again, sloshing the water from one side to the other.

"She'll need to be eating more regularly," Madja nodded, "I'll leave more tonic if she doesn't start to feel her injury more."

Nova put her mouth against the top of the glass but let out a frustrated sigh when the water wouldn't seem to meet her lips.

"She doesn't know anything, does she..." Nesta said, and for a moment, Feyre saw red, but when she looked over at her sister sitting next to Cas, she saw the layer of sadness lingering behind her eyes. Perhaps it was sad that she didn't know how to use a cup, but...Feyre watched Nova pour the water into her cupped hand and swallow the collection.

Feyre smiled, "But she solves the problems she faces, and that's what's important."

Rhys squeezed her shoulder and smiled, but he laughed as Nova tucked her now empty glass into her bundled blanket. Startled, Nova looked over with wide eyes. She held her blanket to her chest as if someone might take it.

"Come on," Mor offered Nova her hand just as Rhysand had, "let's take your treasures to your room." Nova followed, though she did stare at Lucien's metal eye as she walked by, and Rhys pursed his lips into a strangled line. He managed to keep himself together just as Nova was out of sight, then burst into laughter.

Amren looked over. "What on earth is so funny?"

Grinning, Rhys shook his head and kept laughing until he put a hand to his stomach to relieve the ache. Whatever had crossed Nova's mind must have been very loud for Rhys to hear.

"We need to cherish these next few months." Rhys finally said with a soft sigh, shaking his head. Feyre bit her lip, unable to stop her own grin from forming. They'd gone from staring at blank walls for fifteen years to watching their daughter tuck away a drinking glass as if it were gold. Maybe...Nova didn't need their interference, but rather, they needed her. They'd been without laughter and hope for so long that Feyre laughed, too.

Mor returned soon, without Nova to let her explore her bedroom more. "Don't worry, I locked the bathroom door." She smiled as she sat with a cup of tea next to Az.

They all sat around together, the fire their only light, as they caught up with one another. They discussed the reconstruction of Velaris and new ideas inhabitants had proposed to Lucien to talk to Rhys about. Madja left some time later, and Nesta disappeared to the bathroom.

"It'll be challenging," Feyre sighed, "it's already proven to be, but with time, things will be easier for her. For us..."

"Feyre," Nesta called as she walked back into the room, "Nova is..."

"Nesta," Feyre's voice was suddenly firm and cold as ice, "you are going to be patient with her. I understand this isn't ideal, but we are all working together to do what is best for Nova. She isn't just the hope of Velaris and its people, but for us too. I don't want to hear the negativity."

Nesta stared icy daggers back at Feyre and crossed her arms. "Anything else?" She asked, cocking a hip to the side.

"No."

"Okay," Nesta nodded, "I was just going to let you know that your pride and joy is shitting on her bedroom floor."

Feyre's jaw dropped.

Shit.