by Aetherias Moon
In a world of sentient stars, Nova is drawn to the light of Aurora, a distant star. When Nova crosses the perilous night-sea, she meets her beloved. But will their love be anything but star crossed?
“Have you ever seen such a beautiful star?” Nova mused. “A lovely soft blue, so radiant yet so delicate.” Nova lounged on her translucent chaise, infused by her violet light and shimmering. Behind her, Luna held a brush in one hand, and a tendril of Nova’s incandescent hair in the other. Slowly, Luna worked the brush through her waves. Her whole body was alight and painted the midnight walls with colors. Staring out the window of her celestial castle, she took in the distant star’s iridescence. She had watched the star for all these years. Tomorrow would mark her eighteen thousandth year and she’d be permitted to choose a partner. Of course, everyone expected her to choose someone from her solar system, but another galaxy drew her in.
“I’m sure they’re lovely, but it’s time for you to get your head out of the cluster,” Luna said and then tacked on a “mistress” like an afterthought.
“I’ll be having a ball,” Nova said.
Luna sighed. “There’s no guarantee that they will show. We have hardly any contact with a galaxy that far away. Who knows, the invitation might have fallen off of the comet in the night-sea.”
Nova scowled. “That wouldn’t happen intentionally, would it?”
Luna had no reaction. “Of course not.”
Nova pulled her hair away from Luna. It floated out around her like a nebula. “I’m retiring for the night.”
“As you wish,” Luna said, and then departed. Nova stared out of the window and clenched her fists. They wouldn’t foil her plans that easily. Nova reigned as the star of the solar system. None of her planetary advisors should have power over her. All of them wanted control. She’d have none of it.
She’d take matters into her own hands.
Aurora floated in the night-sea, her radiant curls swirling around her. She laughed to herself, unable to contain her excitement. Her eighteen thousandth birthday was just around the corner and all of her solar system was clamoring for her attention. She breathed in their adoration like oxygen to a flame. And she was the strongest flame in the galaxy. The most brilliant star to have been seen for millions of generations. Planets from other solar systems were defecting to try and be with her. Everyone wanted to sweep her off her feet, but she already knew who she would marry.
Cosmo, her largest moon, had been wooing her for years now. Everyone was fighting a losing battle. He gave her the grandest gifts, the most beautiful asteroids to swirl around her. It wasn’t love or lust, he simply gave her the best attention.
She blinked. In the distance it looked like a pulsar was emitting regular radiation. Strange, she didn’t think there was a star in that life stage so close in the night-sea. Yet, it almost seemed to be getting closer to her. She stood up, the night sea coiling against her legs and making her curls dance on the surface.
“Help!” someone said. Aurora could just barely make out the call.
She rushed over to help, the night-sea splashing against her knees, and then submerging up to her waist. Swimming in the shallows of the Night-sea wasn’t dangerous, but the farther out she went, the more she risked getting swallowed up. Still, the pulsar struggled and begged for help. It was just out of reach. She would have to swim in the depths to get to it. Straying too far from her system would threaten to dim her light. She paused.
She heard a series of coughs and gurgles. She dived forward and swam with all of her might. She reached out and grabbed the pulsar. She towed the coughing star along until they could stand.
“Thank you,” a feminine voice said. On closer examination, the pulsar was wearing a cloak of midnight. She pulled down their hood and her splendour blinded Aurora. A beautiful woman stood with violet waves barely contained by her cloak, her indigo eyes broiling with power.
Aurora couldn’t breathe, she could barely look at the star, and yet her soul refused to let her look away.
There she was. The gorgeous blue star was more bewitching up close. Somehow, it made all of her yearning fall down upon her until she could barely contain herself. She wanted to beg for the star to marry her that instant, but somehow she restrained herself.
“Hello,” she said instead. “I’m Nova.”
“Ni-nice to meet you,” she sputtered. “I’m Aurora.”
“I’m your neighbor. I’m the brightest star in the galaxy next-door.”
“You must be much brighter than me. I’ve never seen a star with your coloring.”
Nova laughed. “I’ve never seen a star as stunning as yourself.”
Aurora’s cheeks radiated heat, and a wave of warmth brushed out from her. She looked away and twiddled her ice blue fingers, shimmering with light.
“Would you take me on a walk?” Nova asked.
Aurora wouldn’t look her in the eye. “I don’t think you’re supposed to be here.”
Nova frowned. Maybe this had been a mistake. If either of their planetary advisors found out about this meeting, they would both be in trouble. Aurora likely had many suitors that wouldn’t be happy that she had made an appearance. Not to mention, a romance like theirs would always be star-crossed. But she couldn’t give up that easily.
“It’s just a walk,” Nova said. “And then I’ll leave.”
“Just a walk is fine,” Aurora said.
Nova couldn’t help but smile like a fool.
Aurora’s heart wouldn’t calm down, pulses of radiation kept emitting from her skin. Nova’s smile was enticing. There was nothing she could do but agree. It was just a walk, Cosmo wouldn’t need to know. Besides, they were two stars, two women, nothing could come of this.
She led her through the shallow sea up to the shimmering sand, streaked with lines of waving light. They strolled down the coast, sea shells shaped like tiny stars and comets pin-pricked the sand.
“How old are you?” Aurora asked.
“I’ll be eighteen thousand tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow!”
“Yes, I’ll be having a ball. Did you not get your invitation?”
Aurora’s heart leapt. This star had invited her to a ball? “I didn’t, but I’d love to come.”
“That makes me happy,” Nova said, and a circle of energy shot out of Aurora and tickled Nova. The star giggled, raising her hand to her shapely lips.
“I’m sorry! I just love balls,” Aurora said. “Dancing is so fun.” She continued to ramble. She wanted to drown in the sea. She was always so smooth. What was happening? Normally, she had people dancing inside her gravitational pull.
“Then let’s dance,” Nova smiled.
“What?”
Around them the universe unfurled, stars with thousands of names and planetary courts painting the heavens. They were just two small sparks compared to the extent of the universe. The sea reflected the night, so that galaxies seemed endless. Nova paused on the sand. To her right was the night-sea, to the left was the sprawling castle that Aurora called home. The beach extended far enough, with large walls that she felt there was enough privacy for the two of them. Even if the other star glowed with a fierce intensity that even Aurora couldn’t match.
Nova extended a hand and smiled mischievously. The tilt of her lips was intoxicating, her glowing fingers so tempting. Like a moon caught in their star’s pull, she reached for Nova’s hand. Her radiation tickled her skin and sent a deep vibration into her molten core. They laced their fingers together, and Nova wrapped her arm around Aurora and pulled her in close. Closer than she had expected, their waists pressed up against one another, and Aurora could feel Nova’s breath on hers.
Tantalizing, forbidden.
Nova couldn’t believe she had her beloved so close. It was as if her feelings were but a seed that could only blossom under Aurora’s radiance. Nova twirled them around, the two of them kicking up sand that danced around them in their gravity. They became a microcosm of a solar system, shells and sand circling them as they twirled in perfect harmony. The two burst out into laughter.
“Why is it so fun?” Aurora said.
“Because we’re together,” Nova said.
“Who are you?” Aurora searched Nova’s eyes.
“The star you’ve been looking for.”
Aurora’s mouth parted, to say something, or in surprise Nova didn’t know. Nova didn’t think. She moved down and gently pecked the star’s lips. Aurora’s lips were soft and warm, and she treasured the sensation, knowing that it might be the only time she would feel it.
Nova pulled away, and Aurora’s eyes were heavy. Leaning forward, Aurora nestled her lips against Nova’s. Radiation pulsed out of the two of them in a shimmering haze. Nova curled her hand into Aurora’s tresses and pulled her deeper into the kiss. Aurora softened, her body almost becoming limp in her arms even as her mouth pressed harder against Nova’s.
“No,” Aurora said, pulling away.
Aurora’s body shimmered and shook. She knew her moons would be feeling her solar disturbance. Nova had to leave. She needed to stay far away where her beauty could not confuse her anymore.
“You and I can never be together.”
Nova smiled, but her eyes drooped. “Thank you for this wondrous night.” She turned to leave, pulling up her cloak, and stepping into the night-sea. She waded out into its depths while Aurora’s pulse quickened. Call her back, do something. But she stayed still, waiting for something to change.
“Be well, my starlight,” Nova said, and then set off into the depths of the night-sea.
Aurora couldn’t find the words to say anything. Her light dimmed, hoping her radiant one would find her way back safely.
Nova kneeled on her chaise lounge, staring out the window where Aurora hung in the night sky. She had been so much more beautiful up close. Around Nova flowed a ball gown made of amethyst moonlight. Her inner glow made it shimmer as she moved.
Nova sighed.
“That’s enough sighing for one night,” Luna said. “I swear you’ve been doing it all day.”
“Luna, do you think she will show?”
Luna pulled on Nova’s hair. “Get your head out of the clouds. It’s time for the ball.”
Aurora walked with Cosmo. He was a tall man with pale green skin and opalescent eyes. His suit was midnight and made of the void. It had a dark beauty to it. And Cosmo was beautiful.
But nothing compared to her.
She shivered and pushed the thought away. Nova had said her birthday was today. She’d be having a ball where she got betrothed. Nausea swirled in Aurora’s gut. Get over it, you just met her!
They walked through the crystal gardens, where bits of stardust had bloomed into radiant flowers, vines, and trees. There were even some Terran plants brought from planets in her solar system. She had to remember not to get too close to their flimsy petals, otherwise she’d burn them.
“Beloved,” Cosmo took Aurora’s hand. “I have a gift for you.”
“Oh, thank you.” Maybe that was just what she needed, something lovely to get her mind off of things.
Cosmo pulled out a box from his pocket, he popped it open and inside of it was a ring with the largest star-crystal she had ever seen. She gasped. He smiled knowingly and for some reason, that made her stomach coil. She pushed down her nausea and let Cosmo put the ring on her finger.
“An early gift,” he said.
She nodded, but found her gaze searching the midnight sky for Nova’s violet flame.
Nova danced alone. She weaved through pairs of celestial bodies and twirled. Suitors reached for her, but pulled by the gravitation of someone far away, no one could catch her. Nova kept looking towards the doors, waiting for everyone to gasp when they took in the most radiant star in the night sky. But it never happened, so Nova danced alone.
“What’s wrong?” Cosmo asked. He gripped Aurora’s wrist.
“Nothing,” she said.
“You’re not acting like yourself.” His gaze searched hers.
“How would I usually act?”
“Overjoyed.”
“I’m just tired today,” she said.
His grip tightened.
“That hurts,” she said.
“There’s someone else, isn’t there?” He snarled.
Her eyes widened. She shook her head. “No.”
His grip burned. His eyes were frantic.
“Let go!”
“I’ve put so much work into this relationship!”
“I said, let go!” Aurora flared. He slid backwards, nearly into a rosebush. His eyes narrowed and her stomach dropped, but then he turned and stalked away.
Days had passed since that wondrous night with Aurora and the dun ball that had followed. Melancholy had cooled her molten core even as her planetary advisors nudged her to pick a suitor. Rumors were abound that she had a secret lover, and her power in the court was weakening. She didn’t understand how the person who powered the entire solar system could be treated like a plaything by those around her.
Nova curled her dress around her legs as she propped up her sketchbook. She forced herself to draw the midnight forest; the trees were made of pure shadow, instead of the soft contours of Aurora’s face. She was determined not to let her life be consumed by Aurora, but it was easier said than done.
“Mistress,” Luna said. “Your advisors wish to meet with you.”
“It will just be another chance for them to clamor over one another to get my attention.”
“And what’s wrong with that?”
“I don’t wish to get married,” Nova said.
“And what is so horrible about getting married?”
“I don’t want to be tied to anyone.”
“Liar,” Luna said. “You want that star you ran off to see the other day.”
Nova’s face cooled. “You knew about that?”
“I know about everything.” Luna smiled. “Don’t worry, nobody else knows.”
Nova looked towards the translucent ground, starlight from other galaxies peeking through it. “I just don’t know what to do.”
“Go to a ball,” Luna said.
“What are you talking about?” Nova crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t wish to evade a room full of suitors again.”
“I’m sure you will change your mind if you read this letter,” Luna said and handed Nova a scroll.
She scanned her eyes over the page, and her eyes widened. She jumped up and down and threw herself into a hug with Luna. Her attendant gasped and laughed.
Aurora paced in her bedroom and chewed on her nails. They had been painted for the ball and she felt guilty for ruining the finish. Tonight, she would have to choose a suitor. It was her eighteen thousandth birthday. She’d be dancing with everyone, but in the end she’d choose Cosmo, wouldn’t she? After that day when he yelled at her, he’d been acting almost sickly sweet. But of course, anyone would be mad if they thought their partner’s eyes were wandering. But then again, she had never truly devoted herself to Cosmo alone, and he knew that. Maybe it was because it was so close to the day that she had to decide? But Aurora had it all figured out. Didn’t she?
“It’s time,” her attendant called, and Aurora allowed herself to be ushered to the ballroom. She was introduced and entered the room to the gasps and adoration of all. The room was extravagant, chandeliers and pillars infused with different colors of star and moonlight casting a rainbow across the room. Women wore pale flowing dresses that billowed out about them, and men wore tight midnight suits.
Aurora danced with planetary advisors, ambassadors from other solar systems, and even radiant stars. She danced with old lovers. She danced with Cosmo. She danced until she felt sick.
“What do you keep looking at?” Cosmo tilted her chin toward him.
“Nothing,” she said. Her posture was deflated and the butterflies in her stomach dead.
“You love dancing,” Cosmo said.
“I do.” She pulled away. “But I feel sick-”
There was a large crack, and everyone turned their attention to the announcer. “From the Amethyst system, her Highness Nova Iri.”
The door opened, and radiance filled the stairway. Nova stepped in, her hair bound half up in a twist by a ribbon, the rest floating around her like a flowing cloud. Her dress swirled around her, pale white and blossoming under her violet flame. Heartbreakingly beautiful.
Aurora’s heart raced as Nova’s gaze skirted the room and found Aurora. Nova beamed.
Aurora’s face broke out into a grin and she raced towards Nova without thinking. She froze when she noticed a man at Nova’s side. Her eyes watered. She had almost forgotten that Nova had her eighteen thousandth birthday. She would have chosen a suitor.
The dark blue man guided Nova down the steps. Aurora’s shoulders slumped, words failed her, and joy disappeared in an instant.
Then Nova threw herself into Aurora’s arms.
“It’s so good to see you!” Nova nearly knocked Aurora back with the force of her hug.
Aurora nestled her head into Nova’s shoulder, taking in her rosy scent as the end of a violet ribbon brushed her cheek. Aurora pulled away, realizing that everyone was watching. Gasps and whispers made her tremble. She glanced back at Cosmo, his eyes cold. Aurora cringed.
“What’s wrong?” Nova asked.
“It’s just that everyone’s watching.”
“Nothing’s wrong.” Nova cupped Aurora’s face. “Just give me one dance.”
Aurora wondered if the rules in the Amethyst system were different. Maybe two stars like them dancing meant nothing there. Aurora swallowed and nodded.
Nova beamed. Aurora was in her arms, and everything was right with the world. They danced less close this time, an air pocket staying between their bodies at all times. But she had Aurora’s hip and hand in hers. Where they touched, she tingled. Their colors mingled, making indigo light where their bodies met.
Aurora laughed. “I feel so foolish.”
“Why?”
“I’m so happy you came.”
“What’s foolish about that?”
“I’m making it so obvious that I’m glad you’re here,” Aurora said.
“Who cares?” Nova chuckled. “I’m happy that I make you happy.”
Aurora heated in her hands. “It’s dangerous, this is dangerous.”
Nova leaned in next to Aurora’s ear. “Isn’t that what makes it fun?”
Aurora’s insides danced. She couldn’t help but nuzzle against Nova’s shoulder. Nova pulled her in tighter, their bodies intertwining. Aurora closed her eyes and pretended that nobody was watching. She let Nova warm her and forgot the icy gazes of everyone around them.
“Meet me in the garden at midnight,” Aurora whispered as the song finished. She pulled away and ran into someone else’s arms before she could lose herself completely.
Cosmo pulled her away from the man she had started dancing with. “What was that about? Who is she? Why did you dance like that?” His face was red and his gaze on fire.
“It’s nothing,” she whispered.
He grabbed her wrist too tightly. “You’re choosing me.”
“I-I-”
Cosmo flew across the room. He skidded on the floor as Nova stalked towards him. “Don’t touch her like that.”
“Get away from me, black hole.”
The room gasped, and Nova stepped up to Cosmo, who scrambled to get up.
“Stay away from her,” Nova said.
Cosmo laughed too high pitched. “She’s choosing me.”
“We’ll see about that,” Nova said. She turned towards Aurora, who stepped back.
It was all too much. Aurora turned and ran from the ballroom.
Nova paced in the garden. Aurora had run too fast for her to catch up with her at the ball. Her heart wrenched worrying about her beloved. Had she gone too far? She was just trying to protect her. Somehow, she had messed everything up. Aurora had asked her to meet in the garden at midnight, but Nova wasn’t sure she would show. Not after that disaster. Just like she worried, the bell tolled for midnight and nobody appeared.
Nova crouched down next to a tree, her ballgown weighing down on her. Maybe she should have gotten changed before she went out, but she wanted to look as beautiful as she could for Aurora.
“Nova?” Aurora whispered.
“You came!” Nova said, and Aurora pressed her hand over Nova’s lips.
“Shh!”
“I’m sorry,” Nova whispered into Aurora’s hand. She kissed Aurora’s fingertips, who blushed and hesitantly pulled her hand away.
“Well, I’m sorry for running off,” Aurora said.
“You were overwhelmed. I’m sorry for my part in that.”
Aurora giggled. “I think we’ve both apologized enough for the next millennia.”
Nova chuckled and smiled. “What did you call me here for?”
Aurora bit her lip and looked away. Heat rose in her cheeks and warmth pulsed out from her. Nova smiled to herself. She brushed her hand against Nova’s cheek, who gasped slightly.
“You know, I love you,” Nova said. “I have since I first saw you.”
“You don’t even know me,” Aurora said.
“We can change that.”
“I’d like that.”
Aurora smiled even as fear crossed her heart. Nova caressed Aurora, who leaned into her hand. Aurora’s eyes softened, and Nova tingled all over. Nova wrapped her other arm around Aurora and pulled her against her. She shivered as Aurora’s gaze turned towards Nova’s lips.
Nova kissed Aurora, her tongue tickling her lips and tangling with Aurora’s. One hand slid up Aurora’s back while the other traced down towards her neck. Aurora pressed against her, her hands sliding up and down Nova’s body, searching all over. Nova gasped as Aurora pulled up Nova’s skirt. Nova found the edge of Aurora’s nightgown and slid up her leg. They pressed against the tree as they wrapped themselves around one another and touched each other as deeply as they could.
Hunger built in Nova along with a pressure in her core. An ecstasy and heat that she’d never known. Nuzzling against Aurora was like coming home.
Aurora raised her light over her solar system while laying in Nova’s arms. Nova’s bare skin shimmered indigo under Aurora’s dusk light. Nova was glorious, her body perfect. Aurora had never known such happiness. She understood how vain her past relationships had been, based on taking and never giving. All she wanted was to give to Nova, over and over again.
Someone called Aurora’s name. It sounded familiar, but she couldn’t place it. She quickly pulled on her nightgown and kissed Nova’s forehead. Nova stirred and opened her eyes. She reached for Aurora and pulled her into a hug.
“Where are you going, my love?”
“Someone’s searching for me. I must go.”
“Do you have to?” Nova nuzzled into Aurora’s neck.
Did she have to go? She found her hands tracing the contours of Nova’s body.
Someone called her name again. This time they were closer. Aurora groaned and pulled away.
“No fun.” Nova smiled.
“I’m sorry, I’ll find you again.”
Nova sat under the tree for a while. She had dressed, but couldn’t seem to make herself move. Giddiness overtook her. Her light blazed stronger than ever before. She couldn’t wait to see Aurora once more. She was certain Aurora would want to be with her again. Nova didn’t know how they would make the relationship work with them both being the primary star of their solar system. But she was sure it would work out. But she remembered the stares in the ballroom and squirmed. What was the big deal? She’d do anything to be with Aurora, but even as she thought that, she worried about the planets and moons back home living without her light for a day.
Sighing, Nova stepped away from the tree in the garden and made her way back towards her room. How were they going to make this work-
Someone yanked Nova backwards. She reached out for her solar power and found it missing. Something icy clasped around her wrists behind her back. It was freezing and seemed to sap her of her power.
Nova went cold.
“Who are you?”
The only answer was a masculine grunt. She tried to turn around to look, but he gripped her hair until tears formed in her eyes.
“Let go of-” Something wrapped around Nova’s lips until she was gagged. Her heart pounded in her ears, and tears streamed down her face. She couldn’t process what was happening. She had just been so happy.
She kicked backwards at the man, who cried out. She fell to the ground as his grip loosened. She started to run, but he caught her.
“Would you just behave?” he said.
Ice ran through her veins. She knew that voice. It was the man from the night before that had bothered Aurora. She cursed at him through the gag, but he yanked on her hair and wrists until her eyes watered. No, this couldn’t be happening.
He towed her out of the castle grounds and to the beach
Aurora snuck back to her room without anyone seeing her. She had evaded the person calling her. She was only in her nightgown, after all. After quickly changing, she asked her attendant if anyone had been looking for her. But she was told that no one had. Odd, who had called her? It had cut short her time with Nova, though she supposed they couldn’t have continued their dalliance in the light.
Heat rose in her cheeks, remembering what they had done. Nova’s lips, Nova’s curves.
Without thinking, she sought Nova. She asked after her, but when she was told Nova hadn’t left her room for the night (which she smiled to herself about) she went to the tree. Her heart sank when she didn’t find her lover’s radiant form. She moved to walk away when she noticed Nova’s hair ribbon on the ground. She picked it up. It must have come out sometime in the night, but it was far down the garden’s path. There hadn’t been any solar-wind, so what had moved it? She realized the grass had been kicked up there, dirt marring the ground.
Her heart sank, then pounded.
She was jumping to conclusions. Nova was fine. But dread coiled in her chest and she began running, though she didn’t know where to.
Not until she saw footsteps in the sand.
Nova screeched into her gag, the sound coming out as a muffled groan. No one heard her, no one came as she was dragged out into the night-sea. Her dress hung heavily on her body as the dark sea seeped into her clothes. She slipped on the glassy rocks under her feet. The man caught her with a pull on her hair that made her cry out. Gentle waves lapped against her, a calm fighting against her terror as they moved ever deeper. Swimming through the night-sea was dangerous, she knew, for she had taken the foolhardy journey that first night she met with Aurora.
Nova slipped again, but this time the man just pushed her deeper into the water. The icy cuffs on her arms mixed with the sea made her light dim until her core felt cold. She held her breath, but soon gasped and the void filled her lungs.
Aurora ran out towards the sea. The footprints were streaked with dragged feet. Her heart pounded as she noticed a tall man in the sea. As she got closer, she recognized the pale green hair that she had often curled her hands into.
“Cosmo!” she cried out.
He didn’t hear her. He was crouched down, wrestling with something.
“Cosmo, stop it!” Aurora said. “Please!”
“She poisoned you,” Cosmo said.
“Please,” she whimpered as her dress slowed her as she moved through the waters. She wasn’t going to be fast enough.
Ah, was that Aurora’s voice? How lovely that she’d be able to hear her one more time. She couldn’t find the energy to fight anymore.
Nova’s solar power slipped away.
Aurora crashed into Cosmo, using all of her power, she sent him flying far out into the night-sea. His cries were lost in her fear for Nova.
She reached down into the water and pulled out Nova’s limp, translucent form. Her eyes were closed, and she exuded only the palest of white light. Nova was going out, dying.
“Nova!” She shook her, but Nova didn’t blink, didn’t react at all. Tears streamed down her face and she hiccupped. “Nova.”
She pressed her cheek against Nova’s heart. There was a soft flutter every few seconds. Aurora noticed the cuffs around her wrists and pulled them off. It did nothing. The power didn’t flood back into her beloved like she had hoped.
“My love,” Aurora murmured, holding Nova to her. She was cool to the touch. A star should never be cold.
Aurora radiated warmth. She pulsed out her heat, willing it into Nova. Maybe, just maybe, her heat would be enough. She begged for her heat to ignite Aurora. She held Nova tightly to her and cried into Aurora’s shoulder. Blue light blazed out from her. It was blinding, consuming both of them in her heat. Nova’s translucent form shimmered indigo, but it still wasn’t enough.
“Nova, please,” she whimpered. “Come back to me.”
Nova fell still. Her breaths stopped, heartbeat quieted, radiance stifled. She was gone.
“No,” Aurora said. “No, no, no.” It was all too soon. They had just found each other, just explored each other, brought each other happiness that they had never known before.
Aurora’s light flickered, first slowly, the flair glowing in brightness as the pulses quickened until it was blinding. She shrieked and light washed out from her.
Aurora exploded. Her radiance shooting out from her and bathing the cosmos in her light. Then, spent, she fell still. Her warmth still bathing across Nova.
It was over. All over…
There was darkness, cold, all-consuming blackness. The emptiness of space and time. All that ever was, was not.
Light, heat, love, radiance.
Nova exploded.
Violet light pulsed out of Nova, filling Aurora with energy. Her own light responded, their light curling around each other, gravitation pulling until she felt the skies shifting. Her solar system moved, and in the distance, she felt other celestial bodies coming together.
They held together for what felt like thousands of years, light swirling around them and becoming one. Maybe it took eons, but at last the solar system stilled. The two systems becoming one.
Nova coughed and blinked.
“Nova!” Aurora pulled Nova in close, holding her weight as Nova gripped her. “Nova.”
“-you,” Nova whispered.
“What?” Aurora brushed Nova’s hair out of her face. “I can’t hear you.”
“Love you.”
Aurora squeezed Nova until Nova let out a laughing groan. “I love you too.”
Nova stood on a dais, a flowing gown of stardust swirling around her. It was tradition for one to wear the color of stars, and the other the moon.
The door opened and there she was. Blue, radiant, dripping in moon stones, and a flowing dress that fluttered out behind her. Aurora practically ran down the aisle in her excitement.
She reached the top of the steps. Nova took her hands in hers. The vows were a blur as she peered into Aurora’s beaming gaze.
“I name you a pair of binary stars,” the priest said.
Nova and Aurora kissed. Their light shimmered around them, their planets bathed in their collective radiance.
If you liked this story you might like my speculative literature/romance story “The Bridge Where We Met” or my other queer romantasy “Eternal Lovers”
Aetherias Moon 
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