The Eclipsed Order gathered beneath the tall oak tree where Bjorn would rest forever.
The grave was simple but full of meaning:
Bjorn's broken wooden sword stuck upright in the soil Ren placed a stone he carved with Bjorn's initials Lira braided wildflowers into a small wreath Haruto folded one of Bjorn's cloth wraps and laid it gently over the mound Nova placed her stuffed wolf beside him for comfort
They stood silently, heads bowed.
Haruto whispered, voice cracked:
"You saved me… I won't forget."
Nova gently placed a hand on his back.
Even Ren cried quietly, wiping his face with his sleeve.
The wind blew softly through the oak leaves — like Bjorn was saying goodbye.
⸻
Nova's Secret Safe Haven
Sataro finally spoke.
"Enough mourning.
We move now before Sable sends another squad."
Nova glared at him but didn't argue this time.
"I know a place," she said.
"A safe spot. Hidden. Off every road and path."
Sataro narrowed his eyes.
"…Where."
Nova smirked slightly despite her red eyes.
"It's a secret."
Sataro's voice dropped cold.
"Nova."
"Oh relax," she said, nudging him lightly.
"We'll be safe. Trust me for once."
He didn't respond.
He simply turned and started walking.
Nova rolled her eyes and waved at the kids.
"Come on, little monsters.
Let's get moving."
⸻
The Quiet Walk
They walked in silence for a long time.
Haruto clutched his sleeve nervously.
Ren stared at the dirt, shuffling his feet.
Lira sniffled, wiping tears that still wouldn't stop.
Nova slowed her steps, trying to walk beside Sataro.
"Hey," she whispered.
"He wouldn't want us like this, you know? Bjorn liked laughing. And eating. And… everything."
Sataro didn't look at her.
"Focus on the terrain."
Nova clenched her jaw.
"…Sure."
She sped up and walked with the kids instead.
⸻
Comforting the Children
Nova looked down at Haruto, Ren, and Lira — their heads low, their footsteps dragging.
Her heart twisted.
She had to do something.
"Hey," she said suddenly, trying to sound playful.
"Do you guys remember who I am?"
Ren blinked.
"Nova…?"
Nova raised an eyebrow dramatically.
"Wrong. I'm your mom.
Remember?"
The kids froze—
then their faces slowly cracked into tiny smiles.
Haruto laughed under his breath.
Lira let out a little giggle.
Ren snorted.
Nova smiled proudly.
"See? Told you. I'm Mom now."
Haruto wiped a tear but smiled wider.
"Yes, Mom."
Lira beamed.
"Mama Nova!"
Ren grinned.
"Mom, can you carry my bag?"
Nova turned bright RED.
"OKAY— slow down— I didn't mean literally—"
The kids laughed harder.
Nova dramatically covered her face.
"I regret everything."
Behind them, Sataro didn't look back.
He didn't laugh.
Didn't smile.
Didn't react.
He simply led the group deeper into the forest, eyes scanning ahead, mind far away from them all.