The dormitory hallway was quiet until a sudden ding broke the calm. Lyra jumped from her bed and sprinted to the door, nearly tripping on her own shoes.
"Who is it?" Celeste asked from her corner, not bothering to get up.
Lyra returned moments later, waving a silver-gilded envelope like it was a treasure. "An invitation!"
Celeste looked up. "To what?"
"To the Welcome Ball!" Lyra twirled dramatically. "It's hosted by the senior year students to introduce the new batch of first years."
Celeste raised an eyebrow. "I'm not going."
The room fell silent.
Lyra's excited twinkle dimmed. "…Then I won't either."
Celeste blinked. "Don't do that. You were excited."
"So were you. I saw the way your eyes lit up when I mentioned it."
Celeste turned away. "That was just the lamplight."
Lyra marched to her. "You're going, Celeste. Or we're both not going. And then people will say we're the mysterious weirdos who skipped the ball and feed on stardust."
Celeste laughed despite herself. "Fine. I'll go."
--------------
The Next Morning
The marketplace of Astralis buzzed with energy. Fabric stalls, magical accessory vendors, and enchanted seamstresses stood at every corner, preparing for the ball rush.
Celeste quietly picked a midnight-blue gown, subtle and elegant. Lyra chose a soft lavender dress with floral silver embroidery that shimmered in the light.
"I feel like royalty," Lyra whispered, hugging her dress box to her chest.
"You'll outshine them all," Celeste said, lips curving into a rare smile.
As they were returning to the dorms, a sudden shriek rang out.
A young boy had tripped into the main street. A horse-drawn carriage barreled toward him, the driver shouting, unable to stop in time.
Without thinking, Celeste dashed forward.
She grabbed the boy and rolled aside just as the carriage skidded to a halt.
The commotion drew attention. The carriage door flung open and a tall young man stepped down. He wore an elite uniform with a senior crest pinned over his heart.
"I— Are you both alright?" he asked, his deep voice laced with concern.
Celeste stood slowly, shielding the boy behind her.
The man's eyes met hers—and for a moment, the world paused. His gaze lingered longer than it should have. As if searching for something.
"You have quick reflexes," he said softly, more to himself than her.
Celeste merely nodded. "Be more careful next time."
He blinked, then smiled. "I will."
With a graceful nod, he returned to his carriage and disappeared down the road.
"Who was that?" Lyra whispered.
"No idea," Celeste murmured, brushing dirt off her sleeves. "But we'll probably find out at the ball."
The sky was tinted rose as they returned to their dorm.
And high above, unseen stars flickered with curiosity.