The air was thick with anticipation.
A week had passed since the council meeting, and Crescent Moon territory had transformed into a fortress. New checkpoints lined the borders—enchanted and reinforced with magic from the Starseed witches, who had taken up residence in the guest cabin. Patrols were constant. Sentries roamed in pairs, night and day. Trees whispered warnings, leaves rustled with unseen messages, and every breeze seemed to carry the weight of something watching just beyond the border.
Inside her cabin, Nova sat on the couch with her feet elevated, a steaming mug of lemon balm tea cradled in her hands. The tea had been prepared by Lysandra, who had insisted on including calming herbs to help with Nova’s anxiety and prepare her body for the delivery.
Her hands were shaking.
