Nova's Awakening
The infirmary's glow was soft, vines weaving through broken stone windows. Artemis sat on the edge of Nova's cot, holding her hand gently. Beside her, Elara adjusted a healing poultice over Nova's arm.
Nova's eyelids fluttered open. Her eyes held pain—physical and deeper than that.
"Elara. Artemis…" she whispered, voice raw.
Artemis squeezed her hand. "Welcome back."
Relief, guilt, and something like hope flickered across Nova's face. She'd returned from the edge—and still had a place here.
💬 A Quiet Conversation
Later that evening, Nova sat in the central courtyard, arms wrapped around her knees. Artemis and Elara joined her, sitting in companionable silence under the shattered dome.
Artemis spoke, soft but firm:
"You pushed too hard. You didn't have to do it alone."
Nova looked away, voice trembling.
"I thought power was everything. I… I saw weakness in unity. I was wrong."
Elara leaned in, hand finding Nova's.
"Strength is in trust. In standing side by side. You remember that now."
Nova closed her eyes, tears slipping free. Artemis gently brushed them away.
"Stay with us," Artemis said. "Fight with us—for everyone who still hopes."
The three all leaned into each other—a fragile but healing bond forming.
🌙 Moonlit Resolve
Later that night, Artemis and Elara stepped onto the balcony overlooking the Enclave.
Artemis's gaze was distant. The Beacon on her wrist pulsed softly, warmed by their growing unity.
Elara slipped beside her, shoulder pressed to hers.
"We saved her," she whispered.
Artemis nodded.
"Tonight… it means something. Tomorrow, we take that strength into the storm."
Together, under broken starlight, they listened to the Enclave breathe—wounded, hopeful, united.
The war wasn't over. But they'd healed a crack that nearly split them all.