Twilightbound - Chapter 1

Instructions

Characters: MOON: Species: Felis Catus Nyx, also known as “The Night Creatures” Age: 1 year, in cat years Is Nocturnal, like all other Night Creatures LIGHT: Species: Felis Catus Lux, also known as “The Day Spirits” Age: 1 year, in cat years Is Diurnal, like all other Day Spirits Moon shivered, her purple fur flowing in the breeze. It was a late spring night, and stars lit up the sky like golden lanterns. She yawned, her eyes heavy with sleep. She had never learned how to rest during the day- the blinding sunlight always kept her awake. She longed to be one of the Day Spirits, yet she couldn’t. Once, she had tried to disguise herself as one of them, but her purple fur and glowing white moon-scars had given her away. It felt like she was trapped- restrained by reputation. She sighed, her yellow eyes narrowing. If only… Moon broke into a run, racing through the quiet streets toward her destination. After ten silent minutes, she found it: The Hall of Famous Animals. She paused, steadying her breath. What was coming would be emotional. Carefully, she pushed open the heavy wooden doors. Inside, statues of Day Spirits lined the ornately decorated halls. Moon stepped forward, her paws trembling. At last, she found the one she was looking for: a statue of a yellow Day Spirit with a sun-shaped scar on her paw, white eyes, and a mischievous smile etched into her stone face. Moon squinted, making sure it was her. Quavering, she whispered, “I hope you’re doing okay, Mom.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. It had been years, but the grief still lived in her chest like a shadow. She sat in front of the statue, unmoving, crying for what felt like hours. Why did she have to go? Why did she sacrifice herself? By the time Moon collected herself, it was after midnight. Morning had come. The hall was about to open. The Day Spirits were awakening. Suddenly, one walked in and saw her. Moon gasped. Night Creatures aren’t allowed here! She tried to flee, but her paws locked in place, frozen like ice. This is it, she thought. They’ll cast me out. I’ll never see daylight again. Her mind raced, but her body refused to move. Panic surged through her veins. Her eyes widened with fear. The Day Spirit stared at her. “Move… Get out of here,” she hissed through gritted teeth. Moon stood frozen. But the Day Spirit didn’t give up—she rushed toward Moon and shoved her into a dark alley outside. “Sleep! You’re not supposed to be awake!” the Day Spirit scolded. As she turned to leave, Moon called after her. “Wait! What’s your name?” The Day Spirit glanced over her shoulder. “Light,” she said, her golden fur billowing in the wind. With a quick wink, she trotted away. Moon sat alone, trembling. Her thoughts swirled- her mother’s sacrifice, the fearsome reputation of Night Creatures, and her aching desire to be something more. To be a Day Spirit.