The cold breeze brushed against Serafina's skin as she stepped out of her front door, her heart still thumping from the fear of Stella's disappearance.
"Stella?" she whispered.
There, in the faint moonlight, Stella stood alone in the garden, her back turned, walking slowly as if in a trance. Dew clung to her bare feet. Serafina rushed behind her, hesitating only a second before softly calling,
"Stella...?"
Stella turned around slowly, her face calm but distant. "Oh... I couldn't sleep. Just felt like walking."
"You sure you're okay? Any discomfort?" Serafina's voice was gentle but concerned.
Stella gave a small smile. "No, nothing like that. Don't worry about me."
Serafina stepped closer, hugging herself as the night chill deepened. "It's cold... Let's go inside. We can talk if you want."
Back inside the warmth of the room, both girls settled in bed. Serafina, already drowsy, whispered, "Sleep well, Stella." She pulled her blanket up, turning on her side.
Stella stared at the ceiling, thoughts racing.
Wait... why was I outside? I didn't feel myself moving… I didn't even realize I left the room…
She clutched her chest lightly.
I don't sleepwalk… Do I have some illness? Something serious? What if it's something bad…
Then she caught herself.
"No," she whispered, forcing a smile, "Whatever it is, I can handle it."
And with a small sigh:
"Tomorrow… I'll see him—Alex. My love, my idol… my everything. I can't look like a zombie when I meet him."
With that, she turned to her side, hugging her pillow with a flutter in her heart.
The Next Morning
Serafina woke up early, the first rays of dawn sneaking through the window. A soft buzz from her phone showed a message from Nyx:
"Hidden spot. Important. 6:30 sharp."
She tiptoed out, leaving a small note on Stella's nightstand:
"I will be back soon. Don't freak out!"
At the hidden spot, the Mystery Girls stood in a tight circle. Nyx's voice was firm:
"Today's a big day. We're spending full day with eclipse boys. It's fine to enjoy yourself, but stay alert. Our real mission hasn't changed."
They all nodded.
As the meeting ended, Nyx walked beside Serafina and squeezed her shoulder.
"Take care of Stella, okay?"
"I will," Serafina promised. "Always."
Back at the house...
Stella blinked sleepily as Serafina returned.
"Where'd you go?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Just a walk. Needed some air," Serafina said with a warm smile.
Stella nodded, not pressing further.
Getting Ready
The two girls got dressed together in Serafina's room, soft laughter and gossip bouncing between them. Stella stepped out in her new dress. She was sooo beautiful like a moon.
Serafina's jaw dropped.
"If Alex saw you right now, he'd propose on the spot," she teased, smirking.
"Oh stop!" Stella giggled, spinning slowly. "But seriously… do I look okay?"
"You look perfect," Serafina said, pulling her into a side hug.
Outside, Zephyr stood waiting in front of Serafina's house.
"There you are!" she chirped. "Our queen and her star girl!"
Behind her, Aria and Nyx arrived, all dolled up and glowing with excitement.
At Zane house
The Eclipse boys were already inside.
Zypher went inside Nyx and Aria followed her.
Stella was so nervous.
Serafina stepped in and her gaze instantly collided with his.
Kai.
The leader.
Their eye contact lasted no more than a second, but Serafina's heart skipped. He quickly looked away—but that single glance stayed with her.
Then came Alex.
From Stella's point of view—it was like a dream.
His tall figure, hair slightly tousled, a soft smile dancing on his lips. He wore a simple black shirt that hugged his chest perfectly and silver earrings that caught the light with every turn of his head.
"My man," Stella thought, "is not from this world."
He turned casually, laughter in his eyes, and Stella held her breath. So effortlessly charming. It's unfair.
Her heart screamed: He's everything I imagined… and more.
"Hey there, beautiful ladies!" Max walked in, giving them all a wink.
Zephyr laughed. "Trying to impress already?"
Nyx rolled her eyes, but then Max turned to her.
"What's with that outfit though?" he asked playfully. "I mean—it's kinda funny."
Jin frowned. "Dude. That's rude."
"Okay, okay, sorry!" Max raised his hands in defense.
Nyx smirked. "You should apologize to fashion itself before opening your mouth again."
The girls burst into laughter.