Snowflakes In The Dark

29: The Stars' Ominous Call

The Fairy Tail guild hall buzzed with its usual, infectious energy. Team Natsu was deep in discussion, their voices rising in excitement as they planned their next reckless adventure. Around them, other guild members were scattered, sharing stories and laughter over breakfast. Morana, however, sat quietly at a secluded table near the back, her presence almost hidden from the lively scene. She sipped her tea slowly, savoring the rare moment of quiet that the bustling hall surprisingly offered.

Nearly two weeks had passed since the brutal clash with Phantom Lord, yet the war's echoes lingered in her aching muscles. Every movement was a reminder of how hard she had pushed herself, the constant battle to keep her ice and chaos magic in balance taking its toll. Today, the thought of taking on another job was far from appealing; she needed a break, a moment to recharge. As she watched the others dive headfirst into new missions, she allowed herself to enjoy this brief respite, soaking in the calm before the inevitable storm. She was thankful that Lucy would distract the rest of Team Natsu so she could at least enjoy the respite while it lasted.

Lucy was at the bar, animatedly talking with Natsu and Gray about a new spirit she had recently summoned, completely unaware of the tension building on the other side of the room. Loke was leaning against the bar counter, a charming smile plastered on his face as he flirted with Cana. His smooth exterior hid the turmoil bubbling underneath—a constant reminder of his past mistakes and the fear that kept him at arm's length from celestial mages like Lucy.

Morana watched Loke closely, her gaze lingering on the man who always seemed to wear a charming smile, even when it didn't quite reach his eyes. She recalled the intensity of their battle against Phantom Lord, the fleeting moments when his facade slipped, revealing the deep scars he tried so hard to hide. The shock on his face when she confronted him with the truth still lingered in her mind—the truth that he was a celestial spirit, exiled from his realm for the unforgivable crime of killing his master.

She had seen the guilt etched across his features, a look she knew all too well. The weight of past mistakes, the burden of actions that could never be undone—it was familiar territory for Morana, a road she herself had traveled too often. For once, she felt an unexpected pull to help him, to reach out to someone who, like her, was running from fears and shame that couldn't be outrun. She knew all too well that no amount of distance could change what was in his heart. It had gotten her nowhere, and she knew it would get Loke nowhere too.

The sudden, heavy thud of Makarov's staff against the floor silenced the room, drawing everyone out of their thoughts and conversations. The guild master's presence commanded attention, and all eyes turned toward him as he stood at the center of the hall. Makarov's expression was unusually serious, and the usual twinkle in his eyes was replaced by a weight that set the room on edge.

"Morana, Lucy, Loke," Makarov called out, his voice firm and authoritative. "I need the three of you at the request board. Now."

Surprised murmurs rippled through the guild. Morana exchanged a puzzled look with Lucy before setting down her cup and heading toward Makarov. Loke's flirtatious demeanor vanished, replaced by a wary curiosity as he joined them. The unexpected summons was enough to put everyone on high alert.

"What's going on, Master?" Lucy asked, concern lacing her voice as she approached the request board. "Did we do something wrong?"

Makarov shook his head, his gaze sharp and unreadable. "No, but I've received a special request that concerns the three of you specifically." He pulled a folded piece of parchment from his robe, handing it to Morana. The paper was thick, embossed with the elegant seal of a high-profile client, and the words written in a careful, precise script sent a shiver down Morana's spine.