Chapter 8: The Starborn Revelation

Luna's heartbeat echoed in her ears as the weight of Lord Castian's words settled over her like a celestial storm.

"The one who will reshape fate itself… The one who will rewrite the stars."

The glow of the astrological chart on the floor seemed to pulse beneath her feet, as if the very cosmos were responding to her presence. Around the chamber, masked figures murmured amongst themselves, their voices a low hum of curiosity and speculation.

Ethan, standing close beside her, subtly shifted his stance—guarded, protective. He was waiting for her reaction, waiting to see if she would deny it, challenge it… or accept it.

Luna took a slow breath, forcing her voice to remain steady. "And if I am this 'Starborn'… what exactly does that mean?"

Lord Castian's golden mask tilted slightly, as if he were amused by her question. "It means, Lady Selene, that the fate of this world—and all others—rests within your hands."

A chill ran down her spine.

"The prophecy is clear," he continued, stepping toward the center of the room. "The Forgotten Star does not appear by chance. It marks the arrival of one who can alter the great celestial tapestry. And now, after centuries of waiting, it has returned."

Luna swallowed hard. "And what do you expect me to do with this supposed power?"

A woman in a dark indigo gown stepped forward, her voice smooth like silk. "That depends," she murmured. "Will you embrace your role… or defy it?"

Luna clenched her fists at her sides. Every instinct in her screamed that she was in dangerous territory. The Celestial Order didn't just believe in fate—they sought to control it. If they thought she was some celestial key to their ambitions, she needed to tread carefully.

Ethan spoke before she could. His voice was measured but firm. "Perhaps it would be wise not to jump to conclusions so quickly."

Lord Castian turned his gaze toward him. "And why would that be?"

Ethan's lips curved into a polite, unreadable smile. "Because if she truly is the one you've been waiting for… then rushing her decision would be a mistake."

A slow murmur rippled through the chamber. Lord Castian studied Ethan for a long moment before nodding. "Perhaps you are right, Blackwood." He turned his gaze back to Luna. "But the stars do not wait forever."

Luna inhaled sharply. "And what if I refuse?"

Silence.

The air in the chamber grew heavier.

Lord Castian didn't move, but there was an undeniable shift in his energy. His voice remained smooth, but something dark lurked beneath his words. "Then you deny destiny itself."

A shiver crawled up Luna's spine.

I need to get out of here.

Ethan must have sensed her tension because he subtly shifted closer to her, his posture protective. "Lady Selene and I have much to consider," he said smoothly. "Perhaps we should continue this discussion another time."

Lord Castian tilted his head. "Of course." But his golden eyes gleamed. "But do not take too long, my dear. The universe does not wait."

With a wave of his hand, the meeting was dismissed.

Luna felt every gaze in the room lingering on her as she and Ethan turned toward the doors.

As soon as they stepped out of the chamber, Luna exhaled sharply. Ethan grasped her wrist and whispered, "Don't stop walking."

She forced herself to move, even as her legs threatened to buckle beneath her. The moment they exited the masquerade hall and reached the quiet, moonlit corridors, Ethan grabbed her hand and pulled her into an alcove.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low.

Luna shook her head. "No." Her breath came fast, her mind spinning. "They think I can rewrite fate, Ethan. Do you realize what that means?"

Ethan exhaled. "It means they won't stop watching you."

She pressed her fingers to her temple. "I don't even know if it's true. I don't feel special—I don't feel like I have some kind of divine power."

Ethan studied her carefully. "Luna… when you saw the Forgotten Star, you felt something, didn't you?"

She hesitated.

Because the truth was—she had.

That night on her rooftop, when she had looked up and seen the constellation no one else could, something deep within her had shifted. A pull, like invisible strings guiding her toward something greater.

She nodded slowly. "I don't know what it means. But yes."

Ethan's expression was unreadable. "Then we need to find out."

Luna met his gaze. "And what if I really can change fate?"

Ethan smirked slightly, but there was something serious beneath his humor. "Then let's hope you choose wisely."

Luna swallowed hard. Because suddenly, her search for the truth about her parents felt like just the beginning.

Now… the universe itself was waiting for her decision.

And she had no idea what choice she would make.