LUNA VELORIUM

"A CALL OF DESTINY"

Electra's flour-dusted apron wrapped snugly around her waist as she slid the tray of golden pastries into the oven. The scent of baking bread wafted through the air, making her stomach growl with anticipation. Her gaze darted to the clock, its ticking hands striking 8am. A flutter of anxiety rose in her chest; Mr. Robert was expecting his banana bread delivery, and she was running late.

Her hands rummaged through the cabinets, searching for the fragrance bread box. Where had she stored it? Her fingers danced across the countertops, sending a container of utensils clattering. Just as she was starting to panic, her eyes landed on the box, tucked away under the table.

Relief washed over her, but it was short-lived. Her mother's calm voice drifted from the doorway, "Electra, are you still home? You haven't delivered the bread, have you?"

Electra's hands stilled, the box momentarily forgotten. She turned to face her mother, a sheepish expression crossing her face. "Just a minute, Mum," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of defensiveness.

She hastily collected her cat, Pinky, from her mother's arms, cradling the feline in a tight hug. Pinky responded with a soft meow, nuzzling Electra's chin. With a gentle smile, Electra set Pinky down and turned her attention back to the bread. She carefully arranged the pastries in the box, ensuring each one was perfectly placed.

Electra secured the bread box on her bicycle, Pinky the cat perched beside it. As she pedaled toward the city, the wind whipped through her hair. She made her deliveries, exchanging warm smiles with familiar customers.

Finally, she arrived at Mr. Robert's shop. The sign above the door read "Robert's Rare Books" in faded letters. Electra took a deep breath, grasped the bread box, and knocked on the door. The creaking of the door seemed amplified in the silence. Mr. Robert's imposing frame filled the doorway, his twisted beard reaching down to his chest. His stomach strained against his waistcoat.

"Electra, I've been waiting since morning for you," he said, his thick American accent rumbling. "Why are you just delivering the bread?" His eyes narrowed, scrutinizing her.

Electra's expression turned somber as she stepped inside. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Robert. It's just...the heavy rain yesterday seemed to make me sleep so much." She set the bread box on the counter.

Mr. Robert's face transformed, his interest piqued. He leaned in, his voice taking on a low, conspiratorial tone. "Exactly, Electra. Now that you mention it, I also woke up much later than usual. Don't you think it's connected...to something?" His eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if searching for a shared understanding.

Electra's laughter filled the shop, a warm contrast to the dusty tomes lining the shelves. "Mr. Robert, you can be too much sometimes.”connected to what.

Mr. Robert bit into the bread, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, you know, a dark force or something," he said, his voice muffled by the bread. He looked up, handing Electra a few coins. "Here, take this."

Electra thanked him, collecting the coins as she tucked the empty bread box under her arm. She left the shop, the bell above the door jingling in her wake. As she pedaled her bicycle homeward, her gaze drifted toward the mountain in the distance.

A figure stood atop the mountain, its features indistinct. Electra squinted, trying to discern more, but the figure seemed to fade into the landscape. She wiped her eyes, wondering if the fatigue was playing tricks on her. Pinky, sensing her distraction, meowed softly.

Electra smiled, chiding herself. "Maybe I'm seeing things now," she said aloud, her voice carried away by the wind. "Or it's just my brain being playful, like seeing a woman cooking in the moon." She chuckled, the sound mingling with Pinky's gentle meows.

Electra burst through the front door, dropping her bicycle and bread box in the entranceway. She hurried into the kitchen, where her mom was wrapping dumpling fillings in thin dough wrappers. Electra wrapped her arms around her mom's waist, squeezing tight. "Mum, I love you."

Her mom's laughter filled the kitchen as she turned, holding Electra's cheeks in her hands. "I love you too, Electra. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Just then, a loud knock at the door interrupted their tender moment. Electra and her mom exchanged a curious glance before hurrying to the door. They opened it to find a delivery mailman, his expression firm.

"Caleb, at your service," he said, holding out a letter. "You have mail from Luna Vale town, from Mrs. Hazel."

Electra's eyes widened as she took the letter. "That's from Grandma!" she exclaimed.

After her mom signed for the delivery, the mailman nodded and left. Electra's mom closed the door, turning to Electra with a curious expression. "Hey, Electra, hand me the letter. Let me read it."

Electra's laughter filled the room as she took off, running circles around the sofa with the letter clutched tightly in her hand. "No, Mum! Me! I'll read it!"

Her mom chased after her, laughing, but Electra was too fast. Finally, her mom threw up her hands, grinning. "Fine, Electra! Read the message!"

Electra open the mail and started reading. "These is Chresta, Mrs. Hazel's caregiver," she read aloud. "I write these message on behalf of your grandma. Electra, these message is for you and your grandma is very ill, almost on the bridge of death. She urged me to tell you that you are needed urgently. You are the one to save grandma. There is an ancient family secret you need to know that is tied to Luna Vale town. When you come, you will be hinted at it, but please come quickly to save your grandma. And come alone, not with your mom. From Grandma Hazel."

After the message, Electra and her mom exchanged worried glances. Electra's mom collected the letter, giving it a deep stare. "What if it's a trap?" she murmured. "Who knows if it's really Grandma who sent this letter... or someone who just knows her address?"