A Court of Lost Stars

Madja sat near the edge of the carpet, a cup of tea in hand, as she silently observed Nova. It had taken some Illyrian muscle and a bit of tonic to keep her still enough for Madja to clean her wounds properly.

The aftermath was something to behold, but they righted the furniture after Nova was too exhausted to fight anymore. 

"She puts up a hell of a fight." Cas sighed as he collapsed on the couch before taking a long drink from his glass.

Rhys sat on the floor next to Feyre, who was situated near the carpet where Nova lay. He quirked up a smile.

"Just like her mother." He pressed a soft kiss against Feyre's ear.

There was so much to process all at once. Not only had their daughter returned, but after fifteen years of being on her own…she was finally home.

They were finally home.

When Madja entered the townhouse an hour ago, she explained what happened after their group had been captured. Yes, some members of Velaris had perished in the battle, but many had taken refuge in the library. 

They hid in Bryaxis' lair.

Cassian had shuddered at that detail.

Over the past fifteen years, they have let Valeris fall prey to the vines and mice that infiltrated. They have never cleaned—never rebuilt. They allowed the City of Starlight to fall to ruin, to appear as though no one and nothing could inhabit the space.

Anyone who bothered to enter the rubble would find no reason to stay. Little did they know that just beneath their feet, the people of Velaris still lived and continued to create life.

Their numbers had doubled since the attack, and now that their protectors had returned with new and improved security, it was time to rebuild.

"She seems healthy," Madja nodded, "I'll need time to build a relationship with her before I can even think about a physical assessment."

Nova had been lying on the carpet in front of the fire since they'd released her from their arms. She'd crawled away, huffing in disoriented anger, and collapsed on the rug. 

Though, she didn't sleep, at least she was calm. Nova stroked her fingers lightly back and forth against the soft fabric of the carpet, completely mesmerized by it. 

Feyre watched her daughter continue chewing the washcloth Azriel had given her. It was like she couldn't let it go.

"You need to understand there is a long road ahead," Madja said gently, locking eyes with Rhys and Feyre.

They were silent for a moment before Rhysand slowly nodded. "She'd been without social contact practically her entire life…"

Madja nodded, her eyes gentle. "You say she was separated at the age of three. She has the mind of a three-year-old or younger but not the function of one. She has the mental capacity; what she lacks is exposure. She's tired right now, but she's inquisitive. She'll learn quickly, but it won't be easy. 

A three-year-old throwing a temper tantrum is containable. My advice to you is not to teach her anything about her abilities. Not yet. No flying, no fighting. Let her learn to talk and understand before you give her the ability to use and abuse her power."

Feyre nodded slowly, taking in a slow, shaky breath. She was exhausted, and there was so much to do the next day, but she couldn't relax when Nova was still awake.

"I'll return soon to see how she's adjusting," Madja said, standing to her feet. 

Cas offered to take her home, leaving Az and Mor on the couch. A while ago, Amren returned to her apartment while Nova was tearing at the boys like a scratching post.

The room watched Nova as she watched her fingers glide over the carpet. 

"You think she's ever slept on anything soft?" Feyre mused softly- sadly. She was no stranger to hardship, but at least she'd had a roof over her head. She'd had a bed to sleep on and people to talk to.

Rhys pressed his lips against her temple. "I think she'll experience many new things we might often take for granted. Like soft carpet and a washcloth." He couldn't help but chuckle, rubbing his jaw.

"When will you introduce her to the others?" Mor asked gently.

"Hm," Feyre smiled, "it would probably be easier to let one in at a time. Let her adjust…"

"Nesta can wait." Rhys pursed his lips, and while Feyre wanted to have a reason to argue, she couldn't give one.

Elain would be nurturing no matter what, and Lucien would be patient, but Nesta…Nova and Nesta will be in the same room too soon, which might be a nightmare.

"Let's give her some time to adjust with us first before we bring in any new faces. Aside from Madja, of course." Feyre nodded.

It was then that she realized Nova's breathing had changed. Slow and steady, her eyelids fluttered just a little before completely closing. Careful not to wake her, Rhys picked up a quilt before gently draping it over her just as Cassian re-entered.

They all slept in the living room that night.