Luna remained still, her intertwined hands resting on her stomach.

With her wings tucked safely in her hair, the sudden lighting was almost overwhelming.

She turned her head, noticing the dozen clones standing beside her bed.

Confusion lingered on her face, stiff and silent.

Oddly enough, the gentle whispers between the crowd were comforting, despite her avoiding eye contact with them.

Then she returned to staring at the ceiling.

Connected ice blocks formed the surrounding walls and even the bed she lay on.

“Greetings, Your Majesty,” The clones spoke simultaneously, all bowing before her. “We hope you slept well.”

Luna blinked, unmoving. 

And for a few seconds, she didn’t utter a single word.

“We’re ready to receive your orders.” Neoma broke the silence, knotting her hands just like her and resting them in front of her.

The other clones followed, all standing patiently.

After a deep sigh, Luna spoke.

“Why am I?”

The clones exchanged glances with each other, eventually gathering their sights on Neoma.

Neoma took a step closer.

“Pardon?”

“I don’t know who I am.” Luna lifted herself, her body half limp. “I don’t know who you are. I don’t even know where we are. Just what is going on?”

Each question left a few more clones speechless, her dry tone ending the quiet gossip.

Without hesitation, the clones got on their knees and lowered their heads. 

“You are our majesty, savior of this world, and future queen, Luna Esperanza.” They uttered in synchronization. “We are but your humble servants, prepared at any moment to carry out your wishes.”

Luna hunched forward ever so slightly, relaxing a little.

Two clones scurried over to the pile in the corner and returned with a plate of strawberries and chestnuts.

“Before anything else,” Neoma waved her hand towards the bowls. “I’d recommend eating.” 

“What’s that?” Luna asked, tilting her head. 

The two clones glanced at each other, then back at Luna.

“We’ll gladly show you, Your Majesty.”

They each grabbed a piece from their bowls and bit into it, then held their bowls out to her.

A bunch of the other clones scurried off at this sight, bringing back little charms and snacks in hopes of impressing her, too.

Neoma watched as the minutes passed, growing worried about the other situations.

Finally, the ruckus calmed down thanks to Luna’s decision to raise her hand.

The clones stopped what they were doing and stood in front of the bed.

Noticing their response, she briefly squinted her eyes in curiosity.

“I appreciate all the gifts, but I still have questions.” Luna hesitated before speaking. “Maybe some answers can only come from me…but at least tell me what you know.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.” Again, they spoke simultaneously.

The clones all sat down, lining up in an orderly fashion.

“You’ve been asleep for around a day.” 

They spoke in turn, most in either cheer or awe.

“There are thirteen of us in total.” The clone with freckles spoke timidly.

“Neoma has been in charge until you woke up.” The clone with the shortest hair explained.

“And there’s been a total of seventeen human sightings since you fainted,” Neoma said nervously, scratching her head.

Luna raised her hand once more.

Silence followed.

“I’ve been meaning to ask. Why do you all look so similar?”

The clone closest to the stack went over to retrieve a bag, dragged it closer, and searched through its contents.

A second later, she took out what looked like a plate with a handle. 

“Here you go, Your Majesty.”

Luna grabbed it, already analyzing the strange red oval with a bit of caution.

“You’re supposed to turn it around.”

“Ah, I see.”

She came face-to-face with what appeared to be frozen water, a reflection.

Speechless.

The clones watched with suspense as she gently turned her face and stared intently.

“Is something the matter?”

“It’s nothing, really.” Luna set the mirror aside, then clasped her hands. “But tell me, what are these humans again?”

One of the clones suddenly sprinted out of the igloo without a word, with a few in pursuit.

Neoma redirected her attention to Luna, clearing her throat.

“Those people you saw when we first arrived. That’s what they’re called.”

“Right, I remember now.”

“Anything else, Your Majesty?” 

The clones began to stand up and return the food to the stacks.

“I think I’ve got it for now. If you may, please give me some time to myself.” Luna reached for the wall, resting her hand on the ice. “I’ve still got some stuff to do–”

“Your Majesty!” A few clones shouted from outside, this time not in sync.