The Fallen Starlight Masque

At the royal observatory, every masquerade guest receives a mask, but only one mask is cut from fallen starlight. Celestine Vey keeps it until the final comet appears, when Maerelle Serein must decide whether to wear it or reveal the secret constellation hidden beneath its silver edge. Their ritual is part courtly tradition and part private dare. Celestine offers the mask with a hostess’s perfect smile; Maerelle accepts it only when the stars confirm that their promise remains shared.