Chapter 2: The Observatory

The observatory loomed in the distance, a silhouette against the night sky. It was an old building, perched on the outskirts of the city, far from the flashing lights and the constant hum of the urban chaos. The air here was cooler, quieter, as if the city itself faded away once you crossed the boundary into this space. It was a place that had always fascinated Luna, a place where the stars seemed just a little bit closer, a little bit clearer.

Luna walked up the winding path, her footsteps muffled by the thick grass that grew along the edges. The observatory's dome-shaped roof was visible now, and with each step, the sense of anticipation in her chest grew. She had been here many times before, staring through the telescope, trying to make sense of the stars' silent language. But tonight felt different. Tonight, something was waiting for her.

As Luna reached the large wooden doors, they creaked open with a low groan, revealing the familiar interior of the observatory. The large, high-tech telescope stood at the far end of the room, pointed directly at the heavens. The walls were lined with star charts, diagrams, and ancient texts. But it wasn't the telescope or the books that drew Luna's attention tonight. It was Ethan.

He stood by the telescope, his back to her, as if he had been waiting for a while. His tall figure was shrouded in shadows, and his dark, brooding presence made the room feel heavier. Luna couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of curiosity and wariness every time she encountered him. He was both captivating and elusive, always just beyond her reach, like a star that twinkled but never allowed her to grasp it.

"Ethan," Luna called softly, her voice breaking the stillness of the room.

Ethan turned, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. His sharp, angular features were lit by the soft glow of the telescope's light, his deep green eyes glimmering with intensity. "Luna," he replied, his voice smooth, almost reassuring. "I knew you'd come."

Luna hesitated, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. "What's so urgent? You said you had to speak with me."

Ethan stepped toward her, his gaze never leaving hers. "It's not just about astrology, Luna. It's about your parents. I believe I know what happened to them."

Her heart raced. She hadn't expected to hear those words tonight—certainly not from him. For a moment, the world seemed to tilt, and the room felt suddenly smaller, as if the walls were closing in around her.

"Tell me," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly despite her best efforts to remain composed.

Ethan took a step back, motioning for her to sit at the small table nearby. As Luna took a seat, he moved to the chalkboard in the corner of the room, drawing a few quick symbols and lines. "I've been looking into the astrology charts of your parents for some time now," he began. "There's something off about their disappearance. It's not just a random event, Luna. It's part of something much bigger. Something cosmic."

Luna frowned, trying to piece together what he was saying. "Cosmic? What do you mean?"

Ethan turned back to face her, his expression serious now. "There's a prophecy, one that's tied to the stars themselves. It's an ancient prophecy, passed down through the celestial orders. Your parents were involved in something far beyond the reach of ordinary people—something that involves manipulating the stars."

Luna's breath caught in her throat. Her parents had always been secretive about their past, and her memories of them were filled with fragments—faces, voices, moments of warmth. But none of it made sense. "Manipulating the stars?" she repeated, disbelief in her voice. "How is that even possible?"

Ethan's eyes darkened slightly, and he stepped closer to her, lowering his voice. "It's not just possible, Luna. It's happening right now. There are those who seek to control the stars, to rewrite fate itself. Your parents were part of a group that tried to stop them. They knew the risks, but they were determined. And now... they're gone."

Luna's mind spun as she absorbed his words. The weight of what he was saying was too much to process all at once, but there was one thing she knew for certain: her parents' disappearance was no accident. It had been deliberate.

"But why didn't they tell me?" Luna asked, her voice shaky. "Why didn't they warn me about any of this?"

Ethan paused, looking at her with a mixture of pity and resolve. "They couldn't. They knew what was coming. They knew that their involvement with the celestial order would draw the wrong kind of attention. They tried to protect you, Luna. They left you the clues, but you had to find them yourself."

Luna felt a chill run down her spine. She had spent years searching for answers, but now, it seemed the answers had been right in front of her all along—hidden in the stars. And she had barely scratched the surface.

Ethan stepped back, his expression softening for the first time. "But you're not alone in this, Luna. There are others who want the same thing you do—answers. And they won't stop until they get them."

Luna looked up at him, her gaze unwavering. "Who are these people?"

Ethan's lips curved into a faint smile, but it was a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "The Celestial Order. And they'll do whatever it takes to keep their secrets safe."

The words hit her like a thunderclap. The Celestial Order. The very name sent a wave of fear through her, but it also ignited something within her—a determination to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

Luna stood, her resolve hardening. "Then I'll stop them. I'll find out what happened to my parents, and I'll stop whatever they're planning."

Ethan nodded slowly, his eyes searching hers. "You'll need more than just astrology to face them, Luna. The stars may guide you, but the real battle will be fought on the ground."

Luna took a deep breath, the weight of what lay ahead settling on her shoulders. "Then I'll prepare. I'll do whatever it takes."