Nova's boots barely made a sound on the stone floors as she stepped back into her shared quarters. The room was warm, golden light from the hearth flickering across the walls. Elle sat cross-legged on her bed, a book half-open in her lap.
She looked up the moment Nova entered.
"Nova?" Elle exclaimed and dashed across the room to hug her. "Where the hell have you—?"
"I'm sorry Elle." Nova cut in, lowering her head. She was embarrassed by what happened and worse how she ran away. It all seemed silly now.
Elle blinked. Then frowned harder. "Nova, you were gone for two days. I'm so glad you're okay! Fuck those warriors and that stupid training exercise. That was not your fault and the entire castle and pack knows it."
Nova froze. "Two… days?"
Elle nodded slowly. "You don't remember?"
"I…" Nova's lips parted. Two days? She glanced down at her hands, then back at Elle. "Was I in Jax's room that whole time?"
Elle's expression shifted. Less concern. More curiosity. "That is making more sense now. I heard rumors he claimed you as his mate to the council."
Nova slowly walked toward her bed, flopping down with a groan. "I woke up this morning on top of him. Dr. Quell… Elias ordered skin-to-skin contact for body heat."
Elle's mouth fell open. "Are you telling me Gamma Thorne did that with you for two days?"
Nova flushed. "I am so glad we got waxed the other day."
They both burst into laughter.
"Oh it gets better," Elle said, scooting closer, lowering her voice. "Something weird happened with Beta Valehart."
Nova raised a brow. "Weird how?"
Elle blew out a breath. "I went after you… and he was playing with me. His wolf and mine in the woods… playing tag or something. But then he tackled me out of nowhere and ordered me to return. So I figured he lost his mind or something."
"That's strange. Did he look at you after or say anything?" Nova said.
"So I walked past him yesterday in the eastern corridor. Alone. And he just—out of nowhere—kissed me. Nova he wasn't even looking at me. I didn't see it coming."
Nova blinked. "What?"
Elle threw her hands up. "Exactly! Then he ran off and hasn't made eye contact since."
"Maybe he's just scared of you." Nova smirked.
"I am intimidating," Elle said proudly. Then sighed. "Boys. Am I right?"
"Gods, this place is insane," Nova muttered, rubbing her face.
They both burst into another round of laughter, and Nova felt the ache in her chest ease.
"Well," Elle declared, suddenly springing to her feet. "You and I have tomorrow off, and we are not spending it sulking in bed."
Nova groaned. "Elle—no. I feel like literal death."
Elle rolled her eyes. "You fought off a wolf mid-shift and slept on top of a Gamma. You can handle a little fresh air and music."
Nova narrowed her eyes. "What are you suggesting?"
"There's a new speakeasy just outside the southern wall. A lot of the trainees have been sneaking there. No pack politics or fortune tellers. Just dancing. Music. Drinks that taste like fruit and probably have five different poisons in them."
Nova gave her a flat look. "Tempting."
"Too late, I've already decided for both of us," Elle said smugly. "Now bathe. I'll handle the rest."
Nova walked into the bathing chamber attached to their room. She could not wait to take a bath.
She washed her hair and body. Immediately feeling better.
She had barely stepped out before Elle descended upon her like a storm with a brush, curlers, and far too much confidence.
"Sit," she ordered, motioning to the stool.
Nova sat.
Thirty minutes later, her hair cascaded down her back in long, loose curls, glowing faintly silver under the firelight. Elle held up a short ruby dress with sleeves of sheer lace and a pair of thick tights.
"No," Nova said immediately.
"Yes," Elle replied, equally firm.
Nova allowed herself to be pulled into the dress and boots, letting Elle apply soft touches of makeup — smoky eyes, flushed cheeks, lips tinted the color of berries.
When she looked in the mirror, Nova barely recognized herself.
She wasn't just pretty. She was... striking.
Her breath caught. She shook her head. Maybe the two days unconscious did something to her eyes.
"You look amazing," Elle said from behind her, beaming. "Even if you're still recovering."
Nova stared for another moment, then shook her head and peeled the dress off.
"Too much attention," she murmured. "I need to blend in, not stand out."
Elle groaned dramatically, but didn't fight her.
Nova changed into dark tight pants with high boots, and one of Elle's blouses — a strapless shoulder shirt made of soft silk ivory. Nova put on a strapless bra of white lace. It showed through just a little, but still elegant. Still... lovely. Just not screaming look at me.
Elle whistled. "You do realize blending in is impossible for you, right?"
Nova smiled, "Thanks Elle. The same goes for you, you know?"
Elle grinned, "Oh… I'm aware. We're the best damn looking omegas in Shadowclaw."
Nova busted out laughing.
"Gods I don't want any trouble tonight." She said as she grabbed her cloak.