Starlight and Shadows

The library at midnight was Luna's favorite place in the academy. While other students slept, she pored over forbidden texts that whispered secrets no first-year should know.

Tonight, she'd found something different.

"The Void Between," she read aloud, tracing the ancient text with her finger. "The darkness that exists outside reality, where dead gods dream and forgotten things wait to be remembered."

The candle beside her flickered, though there was no wind.

"Fascinating reading for a student."

Luna didn't jump. She'd sensed Viktor's presence three pages ago.

"You're not supposed to be in the restricted section either," she pointed out.

The ancient vampire settled into the chair across from her, his pale eyes reflecting the candlelight. "I helped write some of these books. I think I'm allowed."

"Then maybe you can explain this." Luna turned the book toward him. "What happens when someone opens a door to the Void?"

Viktor's expression went carefully blank. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I think I already did. By accident. And something came through."