The remaining clones hurried outside, some nearly colliding with one another in their hurry to leave.

Turning to view the ruckus, she noticed the peeking sunlight.

Luna took a deep breath, pressed her hands against the icy bed, and placed her feet against the floor.

She shut her eyes and leaned forward.

Thump!

And a few seconds later, she opened them, her hands stretched as if she were trying to find a wall.

Her eyes lit up with pride, her toes stretching amongst the smooth ice.

She straightened her back and turned towards the exit, learning how to walk along the way.

With each step she took toward the light, the chatter outside only grew louder.

The breeze drifted past her pale face, accompanying the grand array of spectacles.

Guided by the sunlight, her gaze shifted to the stunning trees and alluring snow.

After a moment, she noticed the air had gone silent, no longer carrying the voices along.

A woman knelt a distance away, her hands encased in icy chains.

Luna stood still, eyes wide.

Her wings slid from above her ears, gently resting over her eyes.

“Huh?” Luna jumped, shaking her head worryingly. “What are these?”

The lady stared in awe.

“Try taking a breath or two,” Neoma whispered from the side, simultaneously keeping an eye on their captive.

But to everyone’s shock, the wings withdrew on their own.

The clones went back to pinning the lady down onto the thick snow, a few of them growling and shouting.

Luna let out a quiet breath.

“Wait!” She declared, reaching her hand out. “I shall be the judge!”

The clones stepped away from the prisoner, all standing straight with their hands in front.

A drop of nervous sweat raced down her cheek as Luna tried to conceal her puffing chest.

Now what do I do? Luna thought, her mind panicking. I didn’t think it’d work, and I didn't plan this far ahead.

Each pair of adoring eyes made it even harder to think.

She had no choice but to keep the show going.

“Speak, human intruder…um, person?” 

Luna laid her fist below her chin, watching her with intrigue.

“I only wish to seek refuge.” She bowed as far as she could, her hands stretched outwards. “I beg of you, Your Majesty.” 

The clones glanced between Luna and her, growing anxious with each falling snowflake.

“May I ask why you seek said refuge?” 

The lady’s eyes lit up, shifting her knees forward in excitement.

Her shoulders were held down instantly by the closest clones, the rest on high alert.

“The moment I heard an angel was slumbering within a forest not too far from me,” She exclaimed joyously. “I knew I had to see for myself.”

Their shared gaze shifted, slightly dissipating.

“Hold it right there.” Luna darted her hand across the air, squinting her eyes ever so slightly. “Why are you truly here?”

The lady didn’t speak, her breath quivering.

Luna’s many loud thoughts began to quiet down, succumbing to a gentle mist.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward, a hint of benevolence bathing the atmosphere.

The fear in the woman’s eyes felt almost alluring.

“Do not worry,” She whispered, shutting her eyes. “Everything’s going to be okay.” 

Luna knelt right in front of her, reaching for her face.

Both palms lay by her cheeks, their touch gentler than the calm breeze.

A subtle glow radiated from her hands and dispersed through the lady’s body.

“Kayla…” Luna smiled softly, her wings peeking out of her hair. “What a beautiful name.”

And after a few seconds, she opened her eyes.

Tears traveled down Kayla’s face; water drops filled with gratitude.

The clones watched with mixed expressions, some confused, others irritated. 

Withdrawing her hands, laying them on her knees, Luna stayed still for a second.

Then she blinked.

A wave of unfamiliarity struck every one of her senses. 

She jumped from the snow, standing in fright.

Her gaze jolted from one sight to another, her wings tucking away instantly.

The clones raced towards Kayla, pinning her down like wild beasts.

“Wait, don’t!”

The clones hesitated briefly before letting Kayla go, snickers hidden among the cast.

Kayla didn’t dare to move, feeling the intense glares from every side.

What was that? Luna thought, catching her breath. Is something wrong with me?

Neoma watched from beside the igloo, bewildered by Luna’s performance and the savage clones.

“Everyone, calm down.” Luna placed her hand over her chest. “I simply healed her; there is nothing to fear.”

This time, she walked over to her slowly, hoping not to disturb either side.

Still shivering from the attack, Kayla didn’t make eye contact.

Luna reached for the chains, suspending her hands over the ice and dispersing the spell.

“I’m really sorry about this. I hope you found what you came here looking for.”

“Y-yes,” Kayla exhaled in relief. “Thank you so much.”

“I’d also like to apologize to everyone else.” Luna bowed, her hair flipping and hands knotted. “I’m sorry for scaring every one of you.”

The tension began to die down, curiosity and fascination taking its place instead.

Neoma and a few more clones retreated into the igloo, unable to leave the mess unattended.

I’m still not ready for anything; I almost ruined everything, Luna thought, her fingers fidgeting with one another. All except when I put on another face.

A smirk grew on her face.

“Yes, that’s it.” She crossed her arms confidently, whispering to herself. “They all looked amazed when I was confident.”

The other clones returned to their duties, patrolling and such, except two. 

They remained beside Kayla, their rude glares vigilant.

“Really, it’s okay.” Luna clapped her hands together, greeting them with a smile.

“But Your Majesty, she hasn’t left yet.”

“Because she isn’t leaving.”

A brief moment of silence arose, like the calm before the storm. 

“Wait, what?!” They shouted in disbelief.

The other clones raced out of the igloo again, muttering in confusion.

Luna secretly took a deep breath, darting her gaze as if she were counting how many came to attend her show.

“Kayla is now under our protection.” She cheered, extending her hand and shaking it with gusto.

No response came.

Their expression shifted occasionally, but it didn’t suffice.

“Ahem.” Luna placed her hands on her hips, a smug smirk growing. “Do not fret! I know what I’m doing, and in due time, we will all witness glory.”

Half the clones started cheering, clapping in unison.

The rest, not so much.

Luna couldn’t let herself be caught being nervous; thus, she spun.

The gentle snow followed her graceful movement.

Then, she stopped, arms spread out.

“Though I may still have a lot to learn, one thing is for certain.” Her gaze tracked every remaining hesitant clone, her hands shifting through different gestures. “We can at least try to trust her. We shouldn’t discriminate just because she’s different. We can help each other along the way…to whatever our future may hold.”

She paused, gently placing her hand on Kayla’s shoulder.

And for a moment, she let go of the act.

“And one last thing: I saw her emotions and thoughts. I couldn’t understand them very well, but I do know that she needs us. Very much.”

Luna had succeeded. 

The forest was silent once more.

A minute later, Luna guided Kayla to the igloo, both recovering from the mild exhaustion.

However, Kayla could no longer withstand the cold, so she gave in and rubbed her arms repeatedly.

“You don’t mind telling me why you want to stay, though,” Luna said as she sat down on her icy bed. “Right?” 

“Of course.” She stuttered, lips shivering.

They exchanged glances, confused about how the other reacted to the weather.

“Are you by any chance vulnerable to the cold?”

“I’m afraid I am.” Kayla gave in with a nervous smile, her body shivering violently. 

“I see.” Luna momentarily shut her eyes, giving it some thought before pointing to the corner. “Feel free to check the stack for additional wear.”

“Thank you so very much.” She sprinted over to the few crates and bags of loot, pulling out a thick blanket. 

“Say, I’m still fascinated by your genuine desire to stay here.”

“It’s rather complicated.” Kayla returned beside Luna, wrapping herself tightly.

“No worries.” Luna opened and closed her palms, looking at them with intrigue. “I’m just glad you’ve placed your trust in me.”

“I’m eternally grateful.” Kayla smiled, her eyes comforted by her presence.

“So am I.” 

“Are you really?”

“Of course.” Luna clapped her hands together, her feet kicking the air. “It seems humans aren’t that different from my sisters and me.”

“I’d say that it’s the opposite.” Kayla glanced between her and the passerby clones. “We couldn’t be any more different.”

“Why would that be?”

The question startled her, and her silence showed for a moment. 

“If I may,” Kayla paused, bowing her head ever so slightly. “I’d prefer it if we got to know each other instead.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Luna said with a faint smile. “But that wouldn’t be possible.”

“Is something wrong?” She asked, tilting her head in concern.

“I was only born yesterday, so I really don’t know much about myself,” Luna admitted softly. “If anything at all.”

“Ah…” Kayla lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry about that.” 

“But I assume it's a different case for you; I’d love to hear what you have to say.”

“It’d be my honor, Your Majesty.”