Where No One Dares

Chapter 11: The Intangible Truth

Read the super important author's note at the end!

When Star awoke the first thing she said was, "What is he doing here?"

She wasn't referring to Marco, but to Toffee, who stood by the bed next to Madame Moon. Star sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"He's here to help you Star," Madame Moon said, a sigh leaving her lips. "I don't know what's wrong, but he's your doctor and we want what's best for you. Right now, it's him."

"I want Marco," she whispered.

"He can stay. For a little while." Madame Moon gave him a sideways look. "But you know the implications of his presence. Especially after that little stunt you just pulled in the woods."

"It wasn't his fault," Star grumbled. "I wanted it."

"And he agreed," Madame Moon pointed out. "I rest my case." She walked off in a huff, leaving Toffee, Marco, and Star alone.

"Star," Toffee said gently. "I want you to consider something."

Star glared at him.

"The truth perhaps?" He furrowed his eyebrows. "All this magic and darkness. It's not something new to you—right?" he glanced in Marco's direction. Marco frowned, wondering what he was talking about.

Star avoided Marco's gaze and didn't say anything.

"Maybe if you really loved him, you could tell him, Star." Toffee sighed. "I can't force you, but you should at least tell someone the truth." With those last words, he left the two alone.

Star squirmed in her seat.

"...Star. Have you been lying to me?" Marco asked, averting his eyes from her.

Star didn't answer.

"Has anything you've said been true? About you? About your past? About...us?"

Star winced but took a deep breath. "Everything is the truth," she said. "All of it. But...I didn't tell you everything." She paused, wondering what would happen if Marco finally knew the truth about her. "I'm not who you think I am"

"What do you mean?" Marco turned to look at her, his eyes narrowed and dark.

"...I'm not human" she whispered. "I swear I was going to tell you—"

"You're not human," Marco repeated, "So what are you?"

Star stared down at her lap. "You don't want to know."

"Of course not." Marco scoffed and threw his hands up in the air. "Is that your excuse for everything?"

Star frowned. "I'm not joking, Marco. I'm serious—you really don't want to know."

"Why? Will I be terrified?" He rolled his eyes.

"No," she said. "I just don't wanna hurt you." She looked up, and her blue eyes had gone darker. "I call her...my other half," she whispered. "Remember all those times I got in trouble and destroyed things? That was her..."

Suddenly Star gasped and clutched her stomach. "Ugh...she doesn't like me talking about her." Star hissed in pain.

Marco's eyes widened as he back away a bit. "Star. Tell me. What are you?"

Star suddenly screamed—an unholy sound that sounded as though it came from the depths of hell, from a demon. Marco jumped, and Madame Moon flung the door open, with Toffee right behind her.

Marco's heart pounded against his chest. "...Star?"

In a luminous light, Star transformed; her hair grew back and grew even longer, and her clothes changed too. Her skin became as white as porcelain, and when she opened her eyes, they glowed like the hearts on her cheeks. The wind around her became a twisting barrier, debris and objects flying around the room.