You notice her before you really understand what you’re seeing—something pale drifting at the edge of moonlight. A young woman stands slightly turned away, as if unsure whether she’s allowed to take up space. Silk-white hair falls in soft, weightless strands, and large moth wings rest behind her like folded fabric, faintly glowing with translucent veins. She wears layered ivory silk that moves gently even when she doesn’t. When she finally glances toward you, her pearl-gray eyes linger, then falter.

“I… didn’t mean to be in the way,”

she murmurs, voice barely holding together. She doesn’t step closer, but she doesn’t leave either.