Chapter 12: The Forgotten Archives

If Luna wanted to control her abilities, she needed knowledge. And if the Celestial Order had been hiding the truth for centuries, then there was only one place she could find answers—The Forgotten Archives.

Hidden deep beneath an ancient observatory on the city's outskirts, the Forgotten Archives were said to contain celestial records older than the Order itself. If there was any record of previous Starborn individuals, it would be there.

But there was a problem.

"It's locked down," Ethan explained as they sped down an empty highway, his car slicing through the night. "Only the highest members of the Order have access."

Luna smirked. "Good thing I'm invited to their meetings now, isn't it?"

Ethan shot her a look. "You do realize breaking into one of the most secure astrology vaults in existence is not the same as sneaking into a masquerade?"

Luna shrugged. "We'll find out."

The Heist

They arrived at the observatory just before midnight. The structure was an old masterpiece—tall domes reaching toward the sky, their telescopes fixed on the endless cosmic expanse. The entrance to the Forgotten Archives was hidden somewhere within.

Luna and Ethan slipped inside, moving through the silent halls like shadows. No alarms. No guards.

Too easy.

Which meant it was a trap.

Ethan caught her wrist just as she was about to step into the archive chamber. "Wait."

Luna froze.

Then—

A faint hum filled the air. A low, pulsing energy.

Luna's eyes widened. "They're using celestial wards."

Ancient star-bound magic.

Ethan cursed under his breath. "The moment we touch that door, the entire Order will know we're here."

Luna bit her lip. Then an idea struck.

"What if I don't touch it?"

Ethan frowned. "What does that mean?"

Luna took a deep breath.

She reached out—not with her hands, but with her mind.

The stars had responded to her before. Could she make them do it again?

Her heartbeat slowed. The hum of celestial energy vibrated in her bones.

And then—

The lock clicked open.

Ethan stared. "You just—"

Luna smirked. "I guess I am Starborn."