Once At Midnight | Book 1

Chapter 10

"For the last time, tell me what you did!" Dylan's voice echoed through the hallway as he confronted Candy.

"I said, I didn't do anything! Go ask her yourself!" Candy retorted, her frustration evident.

Determined to find Midnight, Dylan stormed off in search of her. He searched every nook and cranny of the school, calling out her name, but all he heard was the echo of his own voice. "I have to find her," he muttered to himself, his worry growing by the minute.

Meanwhile, Midnight had fled the school grounds, putting as much distance between herself and the turmoil as possible. However, she knew she couldn't stop there. "I hid the teleporter where no one would find it, but it's still far from here," she thought, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her, her heart pounding in her chest. "I need to cool down," she decided, spotting a popsicle stand nearby. "Usually, Candy would pay...but I have no money."

As she walked past the stand, the heat seemed to intensify with every step. "Must keep going," she muttered to herself, her determination faltering.

"Hello," a familiar voice called out from behind her.

"Tulip?" Midnight turned, surprised to see her old friend.

"You remembered! How are you holding up?" Tulip inquired, concern evident in her voice.

Midnight sighed heavily. "Terrible. I'm thinking of going back to Cosmodia."

Tulip's eyes widened in alarm. "You can't go back! What about fulfilling your destiny? Don't forget about the hourglass."

Midnight hugged herself, feeling overwhelmed. "I'm not sure about this destiny anymore. What if it's all a mistake? What if I was chosen randomly? What if I don't fulfill it?"

"You will fulfill your destiny, Midnight. But that's not why I'm here," Tulip replied solemnly. "I've located the Starlight comet and learned of Queen Luna's plan to take over Earth. The comet is heading for Snowbell Springs, and she intends to use its power to strengthen her rule."

"Really?!" Midnight exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock. "I have to stay and protect my friends!"

"Yes, but for now, stay put. We need to prepare for the day the comet arrives. This is serious," Tulip instructed before fading away.

As Midnight watched her friend disappear, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. "Fulfill my destiny," she whispered to herself, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.