Chapter 1: Moonlit Whispers in the Meadow

The meadow stretched endless and silver beneath the moon, blades of grass trembling gently in the cool night air. Mila tiptoed barefoot, her heart a fluttering bird. The world felt softer in the dark, all colors quieted to shades of blue and pearl.

She paused, listening. Crickets sang, and in the distance, something shimmered—a gentle, familiar glow. Her unicorn, Lira, stood beneath a willow tree, mane rippling with starlight. Mila's breath caught. For a moment, everything else faded—school worries, the quarrels with her little brother, even the ache she sometimes felt when she missed her old home. Tonight, there was only magic.

Lira lifted her head, ears flicking toward Mila. The unicorn's eyes, wide and gentle, reflected the moon. Mila grinned and whispered, "You look like you swallowed the stars."

A rustle behind her startled Mila. She turned to see her mom and dad, bundled in soft jackets, holding hands. Dad winked, his eyes crinkling, and Mom smiled, lips pressed against a steaming mug. "Ready for our midnight adventure?" Mom called softly.

Mila nodded, but something tugged at her—a glimmer not of fear, but of wild curiosity. Lira tossed her head, as if beckoning. The unicorn stepped lightly deeper into the meadow, hooves silent on moss and clover. Mila glanced back at her parents. They stood contented, watching the stars, trusting her. She hesitated, then followed Lira, heart pounding with excitement she dared not name.

The meadow thickened, shadows pooling between wildflowers. Lira moved steadily, her glow guiding Mila through a tangle of honeysuckle and dew-wet grass. Each step felt like a secret.

Suddenly, the earth dipped. Mila gasped. Before her, half-hidden by a ring of buttercups, yawned a tunnel—its entrance framed with stones and strung with twinkling fairy lights. The lights glimmered in patterns that shifted as she watched, spelling out words she almost recognized. Was that her name, shimmering in gold?

Lira waited at the mouth of the tunnel, tail flicking, eyes bright with encouragement. Mila’s palms tingled. She glanced over her shoulder. Her parents were distant now, their laughter drifting on the breeze.

Should she call to them? Or keep this secret?

A warm wind curled from the tunnel, scented with vanilla and something older, a memory she couldn’t quite recall. Mila’s curiosity blossomed into resolve. She took a step forward, feeling the grass give way to cool, packed earth. The fairy lights trembled, as if greeting her.

What waited beyond that golden glow? Mila’s heart raced, a thousand questions blooming. She tightened her fists, took another step, and let the unknown pull her in.

Behind her, the meadow held its breath.