A Home for Nova

By Hannah Carter

Nova curled her legs up and tucked her toes underneath her nightgown. Damp tears rolled down her face as she sat on her bed in the dark. The curtains were drawn, and the mirror was covered up, as always, but even that couldn’t blot out the reminder of her differentness, especially after today’s latest incident.

She sniffled. No family wanted a freak. No home had room for someone so weird.

Nova’s ear twitched, her thoughts interrupted by whispers wafting up through the air vent.

“The girl is an oddity,” Miss Daisy said. “I’m quite unsure why you would want her. She’s been here eight years and she scares away everyone. Besides, with this blasted fae war going on, we’ve got more orphans than we know what to do with. Certainly, you could find a more suitable child.”

A deep, unfamiliar voice answered. “I enjoy a challenge.” The person almost sounded amused.

“She’s—”

“Miss Daisy, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to see the girl now.”

Nova squeaked and darted below her covers. Her heart hammered as she squeezed her eyes shut. Maybe if she could just disappear into the linens. Maybe if she could just fade away, like a moonbeam when a cloud snuffs out its light.

Her body trembled as the footsteps approached.

“I’d like to go in alone. I think the child might be more responsive that way,” the masculine voice said.

“But—”

“I’ll see you downstairs.”

Miss Daisy spluttered out a few more warnings before she retreated. Nova clenched the thin sheets tighter and willed her visitor to vanish.

“Knock, knock.” The man rapped once on the door as he announced his presence. The door creaked open. “Oh, dear. Is no one home?”

No one could see her in the dark. No lamp, no moon, no reflection. Nova had to be safe. He would leave soon.

The bed shifted as the man sat down on the edge. “Don’t tell Miss Daisy, but I smuggled in some contraband. Maple syrup bites.”

Nova heard a soft crackling. “Mm. Delicious.” His words slurred slightly. “And I’ve got a few out here to share with a certain someone if she’d come out of the covers.”

Nova squeaked, which only made the stranger chuckle. “Ah, so she is there, quiet as a mouse.” He adjusted his weight. “Come out, little mouse. I don’t bite, even if it looks like I do.”

She lowered the covers to her nose. A dark cloak disguised his features, even to Nova’s keen eyes.

“Now, if you’ll offer your name, I’ll give you a sweet.”

“N—Nova.”

“What a pretty name.” He held out his hand. Nova snatched up the treat and stuffed it in her mouth. “My name is Aster. Now… why are you locked up here in the attic?”

Nova’s words were garbled as she chewed. “No one wants to room with me. They’re all scared.”

Aster clucked his tongue. “Oh, dear.” He tucked his hands back into his mantle. “That’s a shame. I took you for a rather nice girl.”

Nova finally swallowed and nodded. “I try to be.”

“I thought so. Say…” He leaned in close. “What happened to your ear?”

Nova reached up for the bandage that covered the tip. “In sewing class today, Melota snipped off the top with her shears. Said she was trying to make me normal, because I’m a freak.”

“Well, that’s just awful. Why don’t you let me check your injury? I just need some light to see.” Aster stood up and strode over to the dingy gray curtains.

As he grasped both ends, she lunged out of bed and fell flat on her stomach. “No! Don’t open that!”

“Don’t fear the moonlight, little mouse. Its beauty reveals your own.”

Nova cried and stretched forward her hand to stop him, but it was too late. Aster parted the curtains, and the full moon shattered the dark.

Nova wailed and threw her arms across her face.

“Little mouse, look.” Aster pried her arms away. “Don’t be afraid anymore. You’re not a freak.”

Nova whimpered, but curiosity overrode her fear. She opened her eyes.

“See?” Aster’s cloak tumbled to the ground as he spread his arms wide. His amethyst skin shone brightly. Just like hers. His white hair also seemed to glow, while pinpricks of light, which resembled the stars themselves, shimmered across his face. “Or am I a freak as well?”

Nova stared. Her large, black eyes, angular chin, pointed ears, and sharp nose—all of her unique features were mirrored on him.

She pressed her four-fingered hand against his forearm but yanked away quickly, embarrassed by her own impudence. But it was true; he wasn’t a dream. Her lips quivered as she sucked in spasmodic breaths.

“You are a moon elf, little mouse.” Aster smiled. “I’ve spent years tracking missing children after the fae kidnapped thousands at the beginning of this war. Still, you are the first I’ve found.” He reached out for her milky hair, the same shade as his own. “You are no freak, and you are wanted. You are the hope of our people’s future.  We’ll keep you safe and cherish you.”

Tears filled her eyes. They twinkled like diamonds even as she wiped them away. “Really?”

“Really.” Aster scooped her up and held her so that the moonlight could illuminate all of her, not a bit left darkened by shadows. Her skin radiated a dazzling purple, brighter than even the brightest celestial body in the night sky. “I’m here to take you home, beautiful Nova.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah Carter is just a girl who loves to dream and write, and still wakes up every day hoping this will be the day she figures out she’s secretly a mermaid. She currently has two published novellas, Amir and the Moon and Seashells. She has had over a dozen devotionals published in various magazines. She also won a competition with her short story “Lara.”

---

More Stories |  Author Website | Instagram