Cal dreams of escaping her island to experience the adventure of a lifetime. When she uncovers an ancient book that reveals a world beyond her own, she embarks on a journey filled with hidden truths, magical creatures, and the dark secrets of her pa...
On nights like these, when the moon felt too close and the flowers glowed too bright, I wondered if the Star Islands were hiding something from me.
~*~
Three years later ...
The scent of nightsky flowers—too sweet, too constant—filled the air. It was like the island's way of saying, "Nope, you're not getting away from me that easily."
There was no escaping the flowers.
They were everywhere, blooming in abundance across the Star Islands-and honestly, I was over it.
Sure, they were beautiful, with their petals resembling a galaxy-deep violet, speckled with glowing stars.
But when you've been surrounded by them for years... ACHOO!-the constant pollen was an unrelenting attack on my sinuses.
Every time the moonlight hit them, they sparkled, lighting up the night, almost too perfectly beautiful for me to handle.
"They're great for healing!" my mother always said whenever I complained.
Healing, sure, but they were also the most sneeze-inducing, glowing nuisances that just wouldn't quit.
The Floating Star has been my home for as long as I can remember. My sanctuary, if you can call it that, since it's just me, my mother, and a bunch of villagers who seem to think 'personal space' is a myth.
Not that I'm complaining. It's nice having the island to ourselves-especially when Dad is practically a ghost, always busy with 'important' community work over at the Big Star City.
He's home so rarely that sometimes, I forget what his voice sounds like.
The Big Star City-ugh, don't get me started.
The largest island of the six, smack dab in the middle of the formation. It's where all the 'important' people go, or so I'm told.
Meanwhile, there's the Northwest Star on the left and Northeast Star on the right-both of them much smaller islands, more like cute little siblings compared to the Big Star.
At the bottom are Southwest Star and Southeast Star, just as small, and tucked away at the edges of the world.
Then there's our island-Floating Star-perched above everything like it couldn't be bothered to stay grounded like the rest.
Oh, and no, the islands aren't actually shaped like stars.
Honestly, the name's a bit of a stretch. From above, sure, they sort of make a star shape—if you squint and have an overactive imagination.
It almost felt like someone placed them on purpose, as if they were hiding something beneath the stars.
But I guess Cluster of Islands doesn't sound nearly as poetic, does it?
---
The moon was especially bright tonight, full and larger than usual.
The wind howled softly, weaving through the grass, making the nightsky flowers sway as they glowed.
A soft rustling nearby-like someone walking. Too graceful to be anyone but-
"Mother."
Her elegant form came closer, her steps silent on the grass.
"What are you doing here? It's almost midnight," she said, her voice calm, but she didn't stop walking toward me.
I glanced over my shoulder briefly, then back at the sky. "Ma."
She hummed in response. "What is it?" she asked, sensing that I had something on my mind.
I looked around, taking in the familiar scenery. The Floating Star had the darkest nightsky flowers-deep navy blue, with a hint of purple, making the white spots look like a galaxy scattered across the petals.
"The mystery beyond," I said, hoping for a reaction.
Nothing. She remained calm, as usual.
"I've read about it before," I continued, trying to sound nonchalant. "It says in the book... our world is a myth. Our place hides something powerful."
I paused, turning to her. "How come no one ever talks about what's beyond the Star Islands?" I asked, my voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and frustration. "It's like everyone's pretending this place is all there is—like there's nothing more to know."
For months, I'd been wondering what lay beyond the Star Islands, while the book hinted at discoveries and untold power.
"Ma, why didn't you ever tell me about that?" My voice cracked, sounding more like a whining child than I wanted.
She laughed—soft and calming, as if my existential crisis was just another bedtime story.
"Honey, honestly... I don't know why," she said, sounding almost confused. "It never even crossed my mind. I've lived here my whole life. I have so many responsibilities. Your father can't even come home, trying to keep this place together."
Then, with a gentle smile, she added, "Should I apologize to you, dear? I mean, I can barely spend time with you."
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. How could I argue with that?
She smiled, reassuring me. "So, what are you so curious about?"
I looked at her, struck again by how beautiful she was. In the moonlight, she seemed to glow, almost like she was otherworldly.
"Tell me about the book," I pressed, my heart racing as I saw her hesitation. "The one that talks about what's beyond the Star Islands... and the mark on your back." I barely whispered the last part, afraid to break whatever spell held her attention.
That caught her attention. "Yes?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"May I... know about it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
She hummed, her eyes distant, as if recalling something too painful to share. "Some things are better left alone, my dear."
But I wasn't buying it anymore. Not one bit.
---
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