verb ~ to make known to others

The room grew silent as I stared down at my hands on the bedsheets. I can't believe I just blurted it out like that.

"Yes, we know." Kate chuckled, patting Phoenix on the shoulder. "Congratulations are in order."

It seemed to snap him out of his trance, and he blinked rapidly before refocusing back on me. I held my breath, waiting for his reaction to my outburst. I mean, at least I got it out there, and he knew? Bonus. Less stress for me. I already had enough going on in my mind, so that's one thing gone, right?

Oh gosh, I'm rambling.

'Yes, you are.' Cel barked.

I exhaled heavily, focusing on my hands. Peeking a look at Phoenix, he moved closer, his hands coming to grasp at my own. I didn't realise I was picking my nails until he stopped me, pulling my hands lower and away from my chest. They settled on my stomach, a contented smile on his face.

"It is how I found you." He whispered, eyes darting between mine.

"How you found me?" I wondered.

He nodded, dropping his gaze to where our hands lay conjoined. "With some help from that strange witch of your grandmother's, I found a weak bond. I knew it linked it to you, and the further I encouraged it, the stronger it grew. I knew it was our baby, Nova, and without that bond, I admit I wasn't sure how I was going to find you without bribing someone on the wrong side."

My eyes burned with unshed tears. "Really? So... So, they weren't lying?"

He shook his head, smile still in place. "No, my love, it's true."

My lower lip wobbled as emotion burned in my chest. For something I never really had an opinion of, the fact that it genuinely was true was overwhelming me. He must've noticed my distress, because his eyes held panic when they darted to me.

"What's wrong?" He frowned, removing a hand to wipe my tears.

"I'm fine, I'm just... it's a lot." I choked on a laugh.

His eyes softened, the concern dropping from his face as I leaned my cheek into his hand. I noticed Kate give us a small smile before sneaking back out of the room, furiously writing on her notepad.

"I know it is." Phoenix rubbed his thumb along my cheekbone. "But you're here and you're safe."

"Thanks to you." I shrugged.

"Thanks to you." He shook his head. "If it wasn't for you being so tough, Nova, things could've gone completely different. You are strong and brave, and you stuck through all the hell possible. I don't know what they did to you there, but you are incredible. Life hasn't been kind to you, and you have done so much by just surviving and being you."

I was full-on crying now, my laugh of emotion covered with tears. My face grew hot as a sob broke out of my chest, my shoulders shaking with the feeling. I was glad Kate had left the room to share this moment with Phoenix alone.

"Thanks to both of us, then." I shook my head.

His lips widened, his teeth flashing at me with a grin. "Okay, I will take that for now."

"Good." I laughed. "Thank you for always being there for me."

"Nobody will ever hurt you again, Nova. I swear by it." He breathed. "I love you so much. Both of you."

His head fell to my stomach, cheek and ear pressed against the mountains of sheets that covered me. His fingers gripped one of my hands again, and I used my spare to trail through his hair. The soft strands fell through my fingers with ease, the slight curls falling upon his face. I brushed them away, to find his eyes still watching my face.

He was right, of course. So much had happened, and now I was finally home and safe. I felt the weight lift from my shoulders, my chest heaving for breath as so much stress left my body.

I sniffled, leaning back into my pillows. "After all that I have been through, I know I will be okay because I have you."

"You will always have me." He murmured. "Why don't you rest for a bit? I'll be right here."

I nodded mutely, relaxing my body with a sigh. The weight of his head was gentle on my stomach as I closed my eyes, the grip of his hands keeping me grounded. My heart swelled with emotions and warmth as I focused on the feelings. I have never felt safer and so at ease in my life, so at home.

***

Someone knocking softly on the door pulled me from my sleep. I blinked slowly, a frown on my face as footsteps walked towards the door. Hushed whispers drew my gaze to the sound where I saw Phoenix's stood in the doorway's crack. He was speaking softly to someone, but cast a look over his shoulder. Noticing me awake, he smiled softly before turning back to the door. He nodded once, opening it wider to reveal the person on the other side.

Despite my sullen tiredness, my lips erupted in a smile as Charlie, Sean, and Pollux came into view. I gestured them to enter, and Phoenix stepped aside to allow them through. They quietly moved about the room, pulling chairs around the bed, Charlie going as far to slide the small sofa by the sink further across the wall.

He sighed, relaxing into the sofa, which caused me to shake my head in amusement. Phoenix closed the door behind them, pausing at the end of the sofa.

"Hey guys," I finally greeted them.

"How are you feeling?" Pollux asked, sat on my right.

"A lot better. Like it never happened." I shrugged.

Which was true, I had no pain or aches, and I felt energised from all the sleep.

"Well, unfortunately it did." Pollux frowned, hesitating before taking my hand.

I wrapped my fingers around his own. "But I'm here now, and I'm okay. How are you guys? Phoenix says I've been asleep for a few days."

I scanned the three of them, noticing Phoenix silently come and take the seat closest to my head. Sean sat beside him, frowning as he studied me. I haven't seen him in over a month since he wasn't in the battle, and I wondered why Phoenix left one of his best warriors at home.

Sean noticed my stare, forcing a smile. "It's been okay here. Normal almost. The rescue crew was only gone for two weeks, just thanks to the witch transporting everyone home."

"Gaia?" I asked, to which he nodded. "How is she? Did she find..."

My voice drifted to silence, the images of Raven's dying body mere inches from my own. I shivered slightly, unable to get the haunting of her dark eyes as she stared up at the sky, the contrast of the snow surrounding her slowly turning red.

"Gaia took Raven to our childhood home." Pollux answered. "She wants to bury her, but she is waiting. I assume it is because she is waiting for you..."

I frowned, my heart aching. "I will be there. I feel fine."

"Not until Kate checks you over and you rest." Phoenix's voice was stern.

I sighed but nodded, grateful for even being looked after. I didn't want Gaia to feel alone. Since Raven was with me in her last moments, I felt like I was responsible for it. But I knew I was stuck here recovering for a bit longer.

I fretted with the skin on my fingers again, and Phoenix noticed, pulling my hand away. "What's wrong?"

"How many died for me?" I mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

He inhaled deeply. "You don't need to worry about that..."

I shook my head. "I do. They went there to get me, and they got hurt, or worse, because of me."

He sighed. "They knew the risks when they joined the force to save you. It is an honour for wolves to lay their life down for their Luna's safety."

I shook my head. "Who?"

Phoenix and Charlie shared a look, but it was Charlie who spoke.

"Pack members were Max, Corey, Isaiah, Alex and Jaz, who didn't make it."

My eyes widened, my breath hitching. "A-Alex?"

Phoenix's hand tightened on mine as Charlie shook his head with disappointment.

"A vampire got him. I killed him, but I just wasn't quick enough." He sighed.

"He's gone?" I whispered.

He nodded; lips set in a firm line. I couldn't tear my gaze away from him, unbelieving that sweet, funny Alex was gone. He helped me with the gardening, became a new friend as I explored my life here as a Luna. I wondered if Sophie knew, if she was even alive, and what she would do.

I dropped my gaze, breathing through the tears. "What about Cors?"

I noticed Phoenix stiffen. "Cors?"

Looking up at him, I saw his faint confusion. "Yeah."

"Cors... wasn't there?"

I frowned, wondering if he was pranking me. "He was. He... He was the one who killed Nox for me."

"That masked figure?" Phoenix asked.

I nodded. "It was Cors. He took off the mask, told me to run and spoke in my mind, said that 'family must stick together'. He's the white wolf from my visions."

"How do you know this?" Charlie asked.

"I saw him in a vision. It was the night my mother died. I followed the white wolf into the trees where he transformed into Cors." I explained, my tears drying as my confusion grew.

"How certain are you of this?" Sean asked.

I blinked at him, shaking my head. "Couldn't be clearer."

Phoenix leaned back in his chair, a heavy exhale as he thought it over. Charlie and Sean shared a look as I watched on with curiosity. What were they thinking?"

"Do you remember, at the coronation, you said you felt a weird vibe from Queen Theia?" Phoenix asked, to which I nodded. "Did you feel it with Cors?"

I paused. "I did... when I first met him. But not this time. I felt nothing like he was untrustworthy."

He grumbled. "Looks like we're going to have to think more. I thought this would be it, but if Cors is involved, that means the Kingdom may be."

My eyes widened. "You really think so?"

A muscle in his jaw clicked, and he slowly nodded, hazel eyes darkening. "Only one way to find out."

***

hello monday peeps!!

how we all diddly doing? Im in the process of updating my cover a little, so it may change a couple times, but imma let you know lol

Question of the Day:

What is your go to drink in the morning?

Aarrrrre you a coffee addict, or a water goer, like me? Or juice maniac like Nova? lol