Chapter 9: Guided by a Glow

The dreams had begun to take a toll on our dear Starfania, their vivid fragments lingering in her mind long after she awoke. As the full moon approached, she could feel its pull–an inexplicable energy growing stronger with each passing day or night. Each vision brought her closer to the truth, yet still left her restless, as if the answers were always out of reach. No matter what she did or who she was with, it constantly plagued her mind. She knew that whatever was going to happen on the full moon was going to hold much significance. She drew a deep breath and reminded herself to keep going. No matter what was going to happen when the full moon finally arrived.

 Morning had finally arrived, and with it, Ren gently brought Starfania back to reality.

" Starfania, dear, it's time to wake up, " she said, her voice light but persistent. " Aeron is waiting for you downstairs, and you still need to get ready for school. "

Life was moving too fast for Starfania pace as she swiftly got ready, and descended the stairs. As she reached the bottom step, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of pancakes. Her stomach grumbled in response, and she picked up her pace. Aeron was seated at the kitchen table, his head buried in a book, but he looked up with a smile as she entered. 

"Good morning, sleepyhead! " he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I thought maybe you'd sleep through breakfast." 

Starfania rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile creeping onto her face. "Not a chance! I wouldn't miss Miss. Ren famous pancakes." 

 She poured herself a glass of orange juice and took a seat, feeling the warmth of the morning flame streaming through the window. As they ate, the conversation flowed easily between them. With a slow and deliberate motion, Ren parted her lips, her tone dripping with mischief as she said, " Have you both concluded your chattering little lovebirds? School is waiting, you know-impatiently, might I add. "

Aeron and Starfania froze, exchanging glances before they both started to turn red and began protesting. 

" WE ARE NOT TOGETHER! " They shouted in unison, the heat rising even faster to their face. Ren rolled her eyes dramatically, crossing her arms as a smirk tugged at her lips.

" Oh, please. Don't be coy with me, " she said. " I know a crush when I see one. "

Their faces turned a brilliant shade of red as they stumbled over their own words. Aeron, clearly flustered, waved his hand in protest. " We're just friends! I swear! " 

Starfania nodded vigorously, her eyes wide with urgency. 

"Right! Just friends! Nothing more! " she echoed, her voice slightly higher than usual. Ren took a step closer, her expression playful. "Friends, huh? Then why do you both look like you've just seen a ghost? " 

 Aeron scratched the back of his neck, glancing away to avoid Ren's penetrating gaze. 

"It's just... it's early! We're tired, " he stammered. Starfania added quickly, "Yeah! And you know how it is—last night's homework was brutal." 

Ren chuckled, clearly enjoying their discomfort. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourselves that." 

She leaned back against the wall, arms still crossed, waiting for them to unravel further. "But you can't fool me. I see the way you look at each other." 

With one last glance at the clock, Starfania realized she was nearly running late. 

"Come on, we need to go, " she urged, grabbing her backpack. Aeron nodded, and together they rushed out the door, stepping into the volcanic atmosphere, ready to face whatever the day had in store.