Stardust Echoes

The moon was dipping low when their training ended.

Zoe dropped to one knee in the sand of the Argentum cliffs, breath fogging the cool air. Her fists were raw, her hoodie torn at the shoulder, but her eyes were alive, burning with purpose.

Starman extended a hand.

She took it.

“You’re getting stronger,” he said with a hint of pride. “Sharper. Faster.”

“Still not faster than you,” she grinned, brushing her hair back.

“Not yet,” he said. “But soon.”

She stepped forward and hugged him, tight. The kind of hug that lingered.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

He nodded, arms wrapping around her protectively. “Go home, kid. Get some sleep.”

She gave him a mock salute, then launched skyward with a shimmer of Cyan light, disappearing over the horizon.

Starman watched her go, the night wind tugging at his cape. He turned toward the Argentum gate, ready to leave this shimmering nowhere-space behind and finally head home.

But someone was waiting.