CHAPTER 334: IN THE GLOW OF SECRETS

In the Glow of Secrets

"Huh, look at you... a little more mature, a little braver than before. I like that."

The voice unwound through the woods like silk saturated in darkness, coiling around each ear before anyone even had time to consider responding. Heads whipped around toward the source — a girl unspooling herself from the edge of the treeline, the clearing’s delicate quietness breaking like glass.

The forest quieted in her wake. The birds muted their songs, as if the world itself were holding its breath, waiting to discover what came next.

She emerged into sight with a calculated calm that was almost feral — each step deliberate, unhurried, but purposeful enough to command the air around her. The dying light snagged in her hair: long, black as coal, falling down the center of her back in a shiny, fluid curve. But it was her eyes that caught attention first — almond-shaped, bright green, smooth like jade and bearing the razor’s edge of centuries. They were the type of eyes that could strip a man naked or penetrate the deepest lie without a word.

Her own face was a balance of loveliness and peril. Arched, high brows shaded prominent cheekbones. A lean, patrician nose led down to lips rimmed with a deep, tempting scarlet — lips that trended into an ironic, cynical smile. Her skin was pale and smooth as sculpted stone and contained no flaw, yet there was warmth under the surface that made her more difficult to interpret, more difficult to resist.

Black high-waist leather pants hugged her long legs, defining muscle and power with unapologetic exactness. Her waist narrowed in tastefully before curving into full hips that shifted naturally, the kind born of confidence, not show. A black coat draping over one shoulder lay over her loose green blouse, swinging with every step like it was meant to be there — an unspoken badge of authority she didn’t need to justify.

As she raised her hand, the gesture was as effortless as it was authoritative. Her speech, silky and laced with wickedness, spilled into the glade. "Am I so shocking to behold, or were you anticipating someone else?"

The question seemed to hang in the air. The group stood stock still, as if debating whether this was a dream or memory made flesh. Recognition started to flower, hesitant at first, and then certainly.

It was Rias who broke the stillness, her voice quiet but holding something nearly reverent. "Sister Nova."

The others repeated the name softly, as if in fear that it would disappear if spoken out loud.

A slow smile shaped Nova’s lip. "Yes, it’s me... unless you were expecting another guest?" Her words teased, yet there was no doubt about the command underlying her voice.

Relief washed over the group in a wave, easing tense shoulders and guarded faces. Rias moved forward, her steps shedding all reserve, and was enveloped in Nova’s open arms. The hug was warm, relaxed — the kind that held years of distance and unspoken history.

"I missed you, sister," Rias whispered, her voice shivering against Nova’s shoulder.

Nova’s answer was a low, velvet laugh. "I missed you too, big sister."

They stood in each other’s arms, holding a little longer, allowing warmth to banish months of anxiety. For a moment, the din about them receded — it was only the two of them, breathing in the security of reunion.

Then, one by one, the others moved in. Aria’s elegant form, Cynthia’s strength without fury, Syra’s mischievous vitality, Kyra’s reserve — each contributing her own hug, their arms intertwining into the larger knot of shared relief. The atmosphere was heavy with the unspoken language of found and retained family.

On her shoulders, Nova’s eyes met Mia’s. That gentle, knowing curve of Mia’s lips said a lot without saying a thing. Nova’s heart felt warm.

"Good to see you again," she said, her voice lighter now, as she worked her way through the group of women. She wrapped Mia in a brief but warm hug, the smell of familiarity lingering between them.

Mia’s smile grew larger as she hugged her back, voice gentle with love. "Thanks, sister. thanks, Sister Nova."

When they disengaged, Nova’s gaze shifted to Tsubaki and Lira. A playful angle of her head told them what she wanted. "I guess you two became Leon’s brides too. You’re my sisters now.

Tsubaki remained motionless for a split second. This was the first time they’d met under such intimate circumstances — no titles, no ritual bows, no formal etiquette between them. Heretofore, she and Nova had only collided in the chilly halls of court politics. Now they were on equal terms, united by something a great deal more personal than propriety.

Nova’s eyes flashed with soft approval. "You didn’t flinch when I addressed you. Good."

Tsubaki’s smile was one of nervous glee, her nod tiny but true.

Lira, however, took the moment in her stride. She advanced, eyes sparkling. "So, how do I address you now? Princess Nova? Sister Nova?"

Nova’s eyebrows shot up in playful challenge. "Well, how do I address you? Sister Lira... or Princess Lira?

Lira’s laugh was gentle, warm, and laced with a hint of mischief. "Sister Lira will do just fine."

Nova’s responding smile was one of amusement and acceptance. "Then Sister Lira it shall be."

Behind the group, the five maids advanced — Fey, Rui, Lena, Mona, and Mira — their dark hair shining in the light. They bowed as one, their voices merging in sweet harmony. "Greetings, Lady Nova."

Nova brushed them off with a smile, her voice relaxed. "Don’t do all that. Hello, ladies. It’s nice to see you."

Their smiles flowered more radiantly, warm and sincere. "It’s our pleasure, Lady Nova."

But Nova’s focus had already moved on, her keen eyes landing on two figures standing apart from the rest — Lilyn, standing with quiet elegance, and Chloe, her fresh gaze both innocent and sharp. The quiet dignity of both was absolute.

Rias’s eyes took the same direction.

"Hello to you two as well," Nova said, smiling warm but reserved, the slight nod of her head conveying both welcome and quiet authority.

Chloe spoke first, sinking into a bow of elegance. "Greetings, my lady."

Lilyn followed with a soft, gentle smile, but her body remained perfectly upright. "Greetings, my lady," she repeated quietly, bowing as she did so.

Nova smiled at them faintly before her eyes flicked over their shoulders.

Two men approached from behind — Black Ronan and Johnny — lowering their heads in respect.

"We greet you, my lady," Ronan began, his tone steady and deep.

The man beside him straightened. "I’m Captain Black, leader of the Moonwalker soldiers."

Ronan added plainly, "I’m Ronan, your humble subordinate."

Johnny gave a crooked grin. "And I’m the vice-captain."

Nova inclined her head, her eyes briefly sweeping over each of them.

Rias, who was beside them, leaned her head towards Nova. "These three are Daddy’s most trusted men, sister. So... you can trust them without doubt."

Nova’s eyes darted from the group back to Rias, her mouth twisting ever so slightly. "If Leon trusts them, then so do I."

Rias edged in closer, speaking softly as if to make it intimate. "Sis, they’re also your guards now.

With a discreet motion, Nova indicated to the soldiers in green armor behind her. They advanced in formation, their presence exuding discipline. "They are mine — my most loyal. I had them stationed here so they could warn me the moment if anything would befall your carriage, or anything would approach."

Rias’s face relaxed, comprehending the intention.

Arai’s eyebrows drew together, her voice careful. "By the way... why did you bring us here?"

Nova breathed slowly, the gravity of command apparent in her stance. "The eastern frontier is volatile. According to our husband’s orders, you were supposed to go in quietly. I attempted to contact him telepathically, to establish where you were before you got here, but he didn’t answer.". That is why I put my most loyal guards here. We cannot take the chance of your identities being revealed." Her eyes became slightly harder. "I want you to halt here and enter the city via a hidden passage."

"Hidden passage?" someone repeated, half doubtful, half interested.

"Yes," Nova replied, her eyes keen. "Only those with me can enter."

A buzz of shock ran through the crowd.

Rias’s brows furrowed. "Secret passage?" she said, trying out the words.

Nova nodded once. "Only those who are cleared can enter. And only those who come with me."

Tsubaki’s scowl grew more prominent. "So the carriages are going to stay here? We can’t bring them inside?"

Nova’s gaze flashed briefly to the robed men behind them before inquiring nonchalantly, "How did you ask this question?"

Cynthia shook her head quickly, stepping forward to clarify. "No, sister Nova. The civilians are still in the carriages."

Nova’s golden eyes narrowed slightly before she gave a slow nod. "Alright... then let’s move. Rias, you’re with me. We’ll take the carriage, enter the city through the secret passage, and talk there."

The women exchanged quick glances—silent understanding passing between them—before nodding in unison. There was tension etched in their faces, but also a quiet trust in Nova’s command.

She turned to one of her aides. "Lead the way to the passage. I’ll ride with my sister in the carriage."

The green-armored female soldiers straightened, their movements crisp and disciplined. "Yes, my lady."

As Nova gave the cue, the party proceeded in unison—footsteps light, measured, but purposeful. Rias cast her piercing eyes over the group, making sure all of them were back in their places. Her glance rested on a specific knight, and by a small motion, she singled her out. Nova saw the cue and silently delegated command to that knight with a brief, decisive nod.

Orders issued, the selected knight led point, leading her company into the darkness until their forms disappeared entirely. Rias relaxed into the carriage alongside Nova, her body relaxed but her eyes quietly watchful.

Aback of them, silence enveloped the other carriages. The horses stirred with agitated snorts, hooves rattling on the stone, but the green-armored guards kept them in place, their line close and immobile.

The procession started to move off, wheels slowly revolving at a deliberate pace. Ronan and Johnny watched each step, their being a silent guarantee as the soldiers marched on ahead to the concealed doorway into Blackthorn City.

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Somewhere far from the bustle of the city, close to the southern border of the Moonstone Kingdom, a starkly different scene lay in progress.

Nested in the cliffs overlooking Silver Forest, a secret safehouse huddled in darkness. Within, the air hung thick—heavy with the acrid smell of burnt skin and the metal taint of blood. Sweat’s light sweetness clung to it, holding the space intimate, claustrophobic, as if the walls themselves pushed inward.

In the very center of the chamber, a solitary figure sat motionless, bathed in an unnatural green light. The glow was so intense it distorted their form, making them into a dark silhouette against a blinding halo of energy.

They did not move. They merely waited—quietly, patiently—for something... or someone.