It had been a few weeks since River’s naming ceremony, and while the nights had been quiet, the looming threat never truly disappeared. Nova was grateful for every moment of calm. The hours melted into days as she and Kade soaked up every smile, every sleepy coo, every soft breath of their son. River had brought a sense of joy so fierce it was almost painful, like the brightness of the sun after too many stormy days.
Nova hadn’t left the Crescent Moon boundaries since she gave birth, and it was starting to wear on her. She understood the danger. She understood the stakes. But that didn’t make the walls feel any less close.
To keep herself grounded, Nova had started a garden behind the cabin. Clementine had helped her pick the best herbs for healing teas and postpartum recovery, while Lys
