Page 78 of Stars in Nova

He cranked one eyelid open to see Samira leaning on the jamb of the doorway.

His heart lurched at her beauty, his gaze following her every move.

She waved her finger at two adorable children, who sneaked up to the bed he was lying in with curious eyes.

The boy, with dark curls and mischievous energy, was the first to approach. He tiptoed closer, holding a carved wooden animal in his tiny hand.

‘Who is he, Mama?’ he asked, his voice just above a whisper.

‘A friend,’ Samira replied, her tone soft but firm. ‘He helped us.’

The girl, quieter but no less curious, stood behind her brother, her silver and gold eyes studying Kisan with intent concern. ‘He looks hurt,’ she muttered.

‘He’s healing,’ Samira said, brushing a hand over her daughter’s hair. ‘Give him time. Now leave, my loves.’

They nodded and ran off, ducking under her arm.

Her eyes followed the two small figures as they darted down the hall.

A smile tugged at her mouth as she turned back to him.

‘You’ve got a fan club,’ she said, crossing the room and sitting on the edge of the bed.

Her tone was light, but her eyes lingered on his face, scanning him for signs of pain.

‘Sorry if they woke you,’ Samira said.

‘De nada,’ he rumbled through dry lips.

He licked them, groaning at how weak his body still was, falling back against the soft cushions, aching all over.

His mind scrambled to piece together where he was, how he’d gotten here, and why he felt like he’d gone a few rounds with a war skiff.

‘They’re yours?’ Kisan croaked, his voice hoarse.

‘My children, yes.’

Samira’s hand found the corner of the blanket and adjusted it over him. ‘Liora and Malik. They’re curious about you. Most people are, though they don’t barge into rooms like that.’

Kisan winced and shifted, his muscles protesting. ‘Where am I?’ he rasped.

‘You’re in my home,’ she said matter-of-factly, picking up a small bowl from the bedside table. The aroma of spiced broth filled the air as she stirred it. ‘To be exact, my bed.’

His eyes flew open, and his body shot up despite the pain. ‘Yours?’ The disbelief in his voice was palpable. ‘You put me in your bed?’

Samira pressed a firm hand to his shoulder, pushing him back down. ‘Don’t get all worked up about it, Rider. I’m not.’

‘So where are you sleeping?’ His eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping into his tone. ‘Don’t tell me you’re camping on the floor.’

She rolled her eyes and handed him the bowl. ‘I’m sharing a room with my aunt until you’re back on your feet. There’s plenty of space.’

Kisan’s jaw tightened, and the tension in his face became clear. ‘I can’t take your bed, Samira. That’s—’

‘You can, and you will.’ Her voice brooked no argument. ‘Now eat.’

He stared at her, muttered something, and took the proferred dish.

The broth was warm, rich, and spiced in a way that reminded him of distant stars and forgotten comforts. He welcomed how much it soothed him with an ache.

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