Constellation Curtain Novelas e Histórias

Thin curtains wave in the nighttime breeze. As I step out into the courtyard and see her, all my nerves disappear. Estrella stands between her mother and Castor wearing a simple—for Sundrop—wrapped dress that shines alternately red-orange and gray when she twists to look at me. A cape of the same fabric drapes down to the floor. Her hair curls, loose and wild, around her shoulders. Dark ink charting the night sky covers her exposed arms and blends with the faded, black veins still reaching up from the neck of her dress. The court healer thinks they’ll probably scar like that. She cried when he first told her, but in the days since, we’ve agreed they make her look badass.

Butterflies flutter about in my gut as I push myself up to stand, brush aside the lines on my gown. "He's ready to receive you," a male voice booms from the other side of the locked door. Sweat trickles down my temples in torrents and I'm gasping for air. As the ritual tradition demands, I'm clothed in a pristine white, stainless gown. It emphasizes purity. The dress is pretty simple, pain. I'd made a long belt out of some condemned ropes I found in the backyard and it helps keep the fabric in place at my waist.

TERM: Four years from signing date** DUTIES: Standard Luna responsibilities, household management, social representation, heir production** COMPENSATION: Room, board, clothing, jewelry, monthly allowance** TERMINATION: Contract void upon completion of term or mutual agreement of all parties** It sounded almost reasonable. Too reasonable. "This seems fair," I said suspiciously. "It is fair," Soren assured me. "We're not monsters, Kiera. We want you to be happy here." I flipped through more pages. Some sections were printed in bold black ink, clear and easy to read. But other parts seemed faded, harder to make out. "What's with the different printing?" I asked.

Shimmering satin flowed like the Milky Way, delicate tulle resembled the mist enveloping planets, and intricate lace sparkled like constellations. The dominant colors embodied the essence of the cosmos: deep black, celestial blue, and dreamy violet, accented with shimmering gold and silver, creating a breathtaking visual effect. The fabric patterns were inspired by constellations, nebulae, and abstract depictions of the vast universe. Exquisite hand-embroidery brought intricate details to life, adding an extra layer of sophistication and elegance to each design.

“That’s not a problem for me.” I folded my arms. “Then let’s talk details.” Kyle leaned in, his voice low. “Auren is always with Kailey or the pack guards. We need a distraction to separate him from them.” I nodded. “And I think I know how.” Kyle’s smirk widened. “I like when you’re one step ahead.” I ignored the way my pulse jumped slightly at the way he looked at me and focused on the plan. “The Moonlight Festival is the perfect time,” I continued. “Kailey will be distracted with the pack, playing the perfect Luna. That’s when we move.”

With a laugh of pure joy that warmed the deepest parts of my soul, Lunette coasted upwards, vanishing through layers of earth and stone. As we emerged onto the courtyard, our cheeks slick with tears and sobs heaving in our chests, we looked up to the night sky and gazed at the newest constellation. New stars had been born, forming a man and a woman locked in a passionate embrace, one that was a long time coming. A constellation that would forever be referred to as, ‘the lovers.’ And so we walked hand in hand back to the castle, ready to enjoy the start of our long, happy lives. The end.

Her hands slowed briefly, then she continued working without making the moment awkward. Thank the goddess for that. The problem started when they brought out the ceremonial overskirt. It was enormous. Layered champagne organza embroidered with Ashwing crests near the hem, all pale gold threading and soft silk. Two assistants lifted it carefully between them while Sorrel studied me. “If you’d just stay still for a few minutes, Luna,” she said. “I need to see how the drape falls when the train is fully attached.” That sentence alone nearly sent me running.

Velvet curtains, a deep crimson with touches of gold, were tied back to reveal the sky as twilight slowly approached. My heart fluttered, thinking how beautiful the twinkling stars would look once night fell. The entirety of the room was a masterpiece of architecture. Ornate crown traced the ceiling’s edges, beautifully carved with gold lacework. Marble columns stand like sentinels along the perimeter, their smooth surfaces gleaming in the golden hour.

It looks like when a dragon sheds its scales. “This ointment tonight and tomorrow. It should heal by dinner.” Cason hands me the tube. “Thank you so much, Cason!” I look at my friends. “What did you bitches decide to get?” “Crescent moon above the Gemini constellation twins, Castor and Polydeuces.” Ashley beams. “Peonies for my wolf.” Carly holds up a photo of flowers. “Love it.” I giggle at them. “Do you mind if I get a breath of air? Sitting still that long was the worst.”

Evelyn followed more slowly, legs still shaking. “Careful,” Jonah murmured. “It’s wounded, not dead. That makes it meaner.” Evelyn barely heard him. Her light caught on something glinting in the dirt near where the creature had stood. She crouched, hands trembling as she brushed away frost and soil. It was a pendant. Old—ancient, perhaps—its surface tarnished but intact. A heavy disc of silver, engraved with a sigil she didn’t recognize. A circle, within it a crescent moon, lines radiating outward like beams. Symbols she couldn’t read curled around the edge.