Six years had passed like a blur of seasons — and now, Luna Valeriea stood at the edge of something new. The quiet little girl who once clung to her mother's skirts had become a graceful, thoughtful young woman, now in her final year of high school in New York City.
That afternoon, the sun was setting gently behind tall buildings as Luna returned home, her school bag slightly heavier than usual. Her shoes made soft sounds against the wooden floor of the large Valeriea residence. Mira, her mother, was in the kitchen.
> "Mama," Luna called, setting her bag down, "final exams start tomorrow."
Mira peeked from behind the kitchen door, drying her hands. "You've worked so hard, anak. Just a few more days."
After a short snack and a warm shower, Luna sat at her desk, her notebook open, eyes locked on pages full of formulas and essays. The night passed in silence, but a strange heaviness hung in the air — as if something in the world was watching her closely.
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Eight Days Later – The Final Exam
Eight days of pressure, ink-stained fingers, and endless studying had ended. Luna stepped out of the school gates on the last day of exams and breathed in freedom.
She rushed home and entered with a bright voice. "Mama, I'm done!"
Mira hugged her tightly, brushing her hair like when she was little.
> "You've grown so fast," Mira said softly. "Tomorrow… is graduation day."
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Graduation Day
Dressed in a simple but elegant ivory dress, Luna stood with her classmates in the bright school hall. Her name was called. Her achievements were recognized. And her mother stood alone, strong, smiling for two — because Matteo, Luna's adopted father, wasn't there.
After the ceremony, Luna and Mira walked home. A small celebration — just the two of them — waited at the dinner table. The house felt warm and complete, even in its silence.
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A Few Days Later – Results Day
It was early morning. Luna sat at the kitchen counter, refreshing the school website again and again, until finally — her name appeared.
> Luna Valeriea – Final Grade: 89.17%
She jumped from her chair. "Mama!"
Mira looked at the screen, her hands trembling slightly. "You did it. My baby… I'm so proud of you."
Luna's joy radiated like sunlight. But then — something strange happened.
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The Light That Changed Everything
Just as she twirled around, her skin began to shimmer. A soft golden glow spread across her arms, her eyes beginning to shine like burning amber. The room dimmed — not because the lights flickered, but because Luna suddenly glowed brighter than them.
Mira froze.
She didn't scream. She didn't panic.
She only whispered, "It's starting."
And in that moment, everything changed.
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That Night – The Eve of Her 18th Birthday
Luna sat by the window, unaware of how deeply her mother's silence meant something.
Tomorrow she would turn 18 — and something inside her already knew:
She wasn't like the others.
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Would you like me to now continue with Chapter 4 or go back and rewrite/adjust anything?