Stars and Shadows

Meanwhile, at Magi's Room

Steve and Magi were eating something Steve had brought.

Steve hesitated. "I have so many questions, but it's not like…"

Magi interrupted softly. "I know. I'll explain. I'm a star, Steve. Vega, from the constellation Lyra. I was studying with the Moon when I saw your dreams. I wanted to be with you. It's okay if you reject me. I know it's hard to believe, but it's the truth. Do you believe me?"

Steve stood up and walked over to Magi, kneeling in front of her. He took her hand, his eyes locked on to hers.

Magi's heart raced. His warm hand is covering mine. My heart is beating so fast.

Steve whispered, "Is this a dream too?"

Magi hesitated. "It's…"

Steve shook his head. "Even if it is, I don't want to wake up. Not from this dream."

Magi's tears fell like pearls, tears of pure happiness. She held Steve's face gently, kissed his forehead, and leaned down to hug him tightly.

After a moment, Steve whispered, "How about you come to my home for dinner tomorrow?"

Magi nodded, her smile radiant.

The Next Day

Steve met Dani at work. "Is everything okay?"

Dani grinned. "Perfect."

Nightfall: Dani's Room

That night, Lilith sat in Dani's room, her expression desperate. "You have to let me go. Don't let them reunite."

Dani frowned. "Reunite? What do you mean?"

Lilith wiped her tears. "The cycle is repeating. I have to stop it. Please."

Dani softened. "Hey, calm down. Don't cry. I'll bring you some food."

Lilith shook her head. "I don't need food to survive in this dream."

Dani shrugged. "Then watch me eat."

He began eating in front of her, and Lilith's stomach growled loudly.

Dani chuckled and tossed her a can of soda.

Lilith opened it hesitantly. "What is this? Poison? It's burning my mouth!"

Dani laughed. "It's a carbonated drink. You've never tried one?"

Lilith took another sip, her eyes widening. "I've seen humans drink this, but it's my first time trying it. It's… good."

Dani smirked. "Then try this out…"

At Steve's House

Steve's mother greeted them at the door. "Vega, is that you? Or should I call you Magi?"

Steve smiled. "Yeah, it's Magi. Magi is Vega, and we're in love."

His mother grinned. "Why are you standing there? Come in!"

Magi hesitated. "I'm sorry. I should've told you earlier."

Steve's mother waved her hand. "I had my suspicions."

They enjoyed dinner together, talking late into the night.

Months Later

In Dani's room, Lilith sat quietly, her demeanour calmer. "What would you do if someone stole something more precious than your life?"

Dani thought for a moment. "I'd ask for it back or call the cops."

Lilith pressed further. "What if neither worked?"

Dani shrugged. "I'd force them to give it back."

Lilith's voice softened. "And if that didn't work?"

Dani sighed. "I'd fight for it. But Lilith, if they need it more than me, or if it belongs with them, I'd let them have it."

Lilith's eyes filled with tears. "What if it's a person?"

Dani's voice was gentle. "Lilith, how can you be happy if the person you love is forced to be with you?"

Lilith broke down. "But…"

Dani placed a hand on her shoulder. "There's someone out there who'll feel the same way about you."

Lilith laughed bitterly. "Me? I was known for being brutal in the past, but I'm tired of it."

Dani smiled. "So what?"

Lilith's voice hardened. "No, Dani. I'm going to fight for what's mine."

On the other side, Steve and Magi were walking through the street.

Steve smiled softly. "Come with me. I want to show you something."

Magi followed him to a rooftop, where the moon shone in its full glory, and the stars twinkled above. The red light from a neon signboard illuminated the scene, casting a warm glow.

Steve knelt down and pulled out a ring. His voice trembled with emotion. "Will you marry me?"

Steve thought to himself, I wish time could freeze for eternity. I just want to keep looking into her blue, twinkling eyes.

Magi's face was half-lit by the red glow of the signboard and half by the cool, blueish light of the moon. Tears welled up in her eyes as she extended her hand. "Yes."

Steve stood up, and they kissed, their hearts beating as one. The Moon watched, her light shimmering with tears. "My girl has won his heart."

The little stars twinkled joyfully, their light dancing in celebration.

They sat together, enjoying the night sky.

Magi leaned her head on Steve's shoulder. "What if this is a dream?"

Steve smiled, his voice soft but firm. "Then I wish I never wake up."

Magi looked up at him. "What if you do wake up?"

Steve's eyes were filled with determination. "Then we'll start over as strangers. I can relive these moments anytime. This feeling… it will never fade."

Magi pointed to the sky. "Look, there's a shooting star. Make a wish."

Steve closed his eyes. "I wish this is reality."

Magi whispered, her voice trembling. "I wish we both remember this feeling for eternity."

Lilith stood by the window, gazing at the sky. A shooting star streaked across the night, and she whispered softly, "It's repeating. I wish to find my love."

A month later, Steve and Vega got married. Their love was a beacon of hope, shining brighter than the stars above.

One night, they lay in bed, Vega snuggled close to Steve.

Vega hesitated, then whispered, "Steve, I need to tell you something."

Steve turned to her, his eyes filled with curiosity. "What is it?"

Vega's voice was soft but filled with joy. "I'm pregnant."

Steve's face lit up with pure happiness. "I'm going to be a dad!"

Vega nodded, tears of joy streaming down her face.

In Dani's room, Lilith sat quietly, her expression calm but distant.

Dani entered, his tone gentle. "They're married."

Lilith's eyes widened. "It's only been four days."

Dani sighed. "I'm sorry. Time moves faster in this room. I made it that way."

Lilith's voice was soft but firm. "Then why are you keeping me here? Let me go."

Dani nodded. "Unlock her."

Lilith left the room, her heart heavy but her resolve unshaken.

The next day, Steve and Vega walked through the street, hand in hand.

Lilith appeared, her eyes cold and determined. She walked slowly to a parked car, entered it, and started the engine.

Dani sensed the danger and ran toward the car, but it was too late.

Lilith drove the car at full speed toward Vega.

Steve turned, his eyes wide with horror, as the car struck Vega.

Magi collapsed onto the road, her dress soaked in blood. The crimson pool spread beneath her, staining the pavement. Blood trickled from her nose and ears, her once vibrant blue eyes now pale and clouded. She looked at Steve, her lips trembling as she managed a faint smile. Then, her eyes closed.

Steve's voice shattered the silence, raw and desperate. "Open your eyes, baby! Please, please!"

But she didn't respond.

Steve's heart shattered as he cradled her lifeless body, his sobs echoing in the empty street. "Why? Why did this happen?

"No...…" Steve's scream echoed into the void as he woke up from his deep sleep, tears streaming down his face. The only thing he remembered was the car crash.

[For the Nerds: If a celestial being dies in a dream, they die in real life. Lilith destroyed the dream, but she survived because she fled to Dani's dream, where his influence protected her. Dani remembers everything because he was in a lucid dream.]