Someone You Knew-After Stellarlune

Sophie's head throbbed, a dull ache behind her eyes that mirrored the sick dread churning in her stomach. She stood alone in Alluveterre, the desolate landscape offering no comfort, only an oppressive quiet. The air was still, heavy with unspoken threats. She pulled at an eyelash, a nervous habit she couldn't break, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

Yesterday's letter from the Neverseen had been a chilling summons: 'Come to Alluveterre tomorrow by yourself to have a 'talk'.' A demand, not an invitation. She had come, because she had no choice, a puppet on their strings, and the thought made her teeth clench. This was her life now, controlled by her enemies, ruining all the Black Swan's plans. She felt useless.

Four eyelashes now lay on the ground. As her fingers reached for a fifth, footsteps echoed in the stillness.

Three hooded figures emerged from the distance. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she forced herself to stand tall. In the center, she recognized the chilling smile, the raised arms of Lady Gisela.

"Ahh, our fearless Moonlark showed up!" Gisela's voice was a silky taunt.