Summary:
As I awoke this morning, an unmistakable absence gnawed at my core. It's a sensation familiar to those who have suffered loss—the feeling of a piece of oneself gone. My light had vanished, leaving me adrift in a shadowed existence. Perhaps, in time, it would return, maybe by day's end. But the uncertainty was suffocating; I couldn't endure this emptiness. I must seek out the sun, reclaim the radiance I've lost. Otherwise, I feared I'd become a sacrifice to the dawn of the night I had sacrificed.
Stella kept her gaze fixed on her hands, still struggling to come to terms with what had transpired. Yes, she had wielded the power of the moon, but now the warmth of the sun was noticeably absent. Her father's warnings echoed in her mind, cautioning her against relying too heavily on her moon abilities. As tears streamed down her cheeks, she couldn't shake the weight of her actions—she had taken a life, even if it was that of a vile witch.
Her head hung low, avoiding the gaze of those around her. Stormy's disappearance into the night, her body vanishing with wisps of smoke ascending towards the moon, served as a haunting reminder of the sacrifice Stella had made. Everything Stormy had destroyed would now be restored, thanks to Stella's offering to the moon. It was a remarkable power, to be sure, but Stella was the fairy of the sun, the princess of Solaria. How could she ascend to become a queen without her connection to the sun?
"Stella," Brandon's arms encircled her waist, but his touch was tentative, as if afraid of causing her further pain. She had transformed, metamorphosed into a vision of breathtaking beauty that left him speechless. She tend to make him that way quite often actually, but this was something different. Her body seemed fragile, as if crafted from porcelain, and he feared he might shatter her with his embrace. He cupped her cheek gently, his thumb tracing the path of her tears. She was so soft. Brandon shook his head, trying to dispel the desires that threatened to consume him. Now was hardly the time for such thoughts.
"Baby," he murmured, caressing her cheek. He felt her draw closer, her tears soaking his chest as she buried her face against him. Their friends gathered around, uncertain of how to console her. Bloom approached with tears in her eyes, convinced that Stella's tears stemmed from the pain she endured. Brandon held her tighter, his nose brushing against her silky hair, now adorned with streaks of gray and white that shimmered like diamonds.
"Stell?" Bloom reached out tentatively, but Stella flinched slightly, though she remained in Brandon's embrace. Brandon's hold on her tightened, unwilling to let her go. "I killed her," Stella whispered, her voice foreign to her own ears. Bloom shook her head vehemently, the other girls echoing her denial in unison.
"Stella, she would've killed you," Brandon interjected, his grip on her unwavering. If Stella hadn't acted, Stormy's rampage could have claimed more than just one life. Tecna, Flora, the girls—perhaps even Brandon himself—might have fallen victim to the witch's fury. Stella trembled, and Brandon held her closer in response.
"I need to sit down," Stella murmured weakly. Brandon immediately obliged, settling her onto his lap as the others followed suit, finding their places on the soft ground. "Stell," Aisha spoke softly, struggling to find the right words. "You look… I don't know how to say but," Brandon shot her a warning glance, and she faltered before continuing.
"Terrible, I know." Whispered Stella and even Riven made a lofty noise. "You're breathtakingly beautiful, Stella," Helia declared, his words cutting through the tension in the air. Brandon clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. Helia's words seemed to echo his own thoughts, and he struggled to maintain his composure. Helia knelt before them, his gaze unwavering as he spoke.
"Calm down Brandon, it's only the truth." Helia urged, meeting his friend's gaze with empathy. Brandon nodded, though he couldn't bring himself to look at Helia. He understood the turmoil his friend must be feeling, since he faced just the same fear minutes ago.
"What?" Stella's voice interrupted their silent exchange.
"Yes, Stell. You look so beautiful but like, not like you always do. It's different, it's…"
"Breathtaking," said Brandon repeating Helia's comment. The sincerity in their voices dispelled any notion that their words were merely empty compliments meant to placate her. Stella furrowed her brow, uncertain of what to make of their reactions.
"I mean, if this is how you'll all transform, then good luck us," Riven chimed in, attempting to lighten the mood. "I don't think Stella transformed into something new," Bloom interjected, taking Stella's hand in hers and planting a tender kiss upon it. She could have lost her best friend tonight, and the thought sent shivers down her spine. "This was still Enchantix, right, Stell?"
Stella nodded, feeling Brandon's breath against her cheek as he whispered words of reassurance. "That was my moon power."
Even though no one spoke, the silence around Stella only intensified her anxiety. She couldn't bring herself to meet anyone's gaze. Musa's quiet murmur finally broke through the tension. "Your moon power?" Stella nodded, though her small gesture went unnoticed by everyone except Brandon.
In a tender gesture to comfort her, Brandon pressed his lips to her forehead, cradling her gently in his arms. Stella felt a rush of warmth at his touch, grateful for his presence. She was his baby, and he longed to ease the darkness that weighed upon her soul, if only for a moment of solace away from prying eyes.
"You've used them before though. How come you transform this time?" Aisha's voice pierced through Stella's turmoil, and she turned her weary gaze towards her friend. The weight of her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. She had lost the sun, and the realization suffocated her.
"I've never moved with the power of the moon alone," Stella began, her voice trembling with emotion. "I've always drawn upon the power of the moon through the sun and stars." A tear escaped her eye, tracing a path down her cheek. No one could comprehend the depth of her sorrow. They likely attributed her distress to Stormy's death, unable to fathom the true extent of Stella's anguish.
"This time was different. Without a solar source, my strength waned quickly," Stella explained, her voice choked with emotion. Brandon wiped away her tear, his concern evident in his eyes. "When I had no other energy left, the moon's power, dormant within me for years, revealed itself. I had to use it to..." A sudden realization made a small smile grace her lips as her gaze found Helia's. "You're right, I didn't kill Stormy. I sacrificed her to the moon to save my friends."
Helia rose abruptly, his eyes wide with disbelief. The others, including Brandon, stared at Stella in shock, struggling to comprehend the gravity of her words. Finally understanding what Stella meant, joyful cries erupted from the girls, and Helia enveloped Stella in a tight embrace, tears of gratitude streaming down his cheeks. Brandon, too, felt a surge of emotion as he held her close. Stella's act of sacrifice had brought hope and relief to them all.
As Helia reached for the communicator, excitement coursing through him, Timmy's voice crackled with emotion on the other end. "They woke up! Both of them!" Helia's jubilant cry filled the empty forest, and tears of joy flowed freely as the girls embraced one another. Stella's tears fell slowly, the burden of her pain gradually easing.
"What's wrong, sunshine?" Sunshine. I'm not your sunshine anymore. Brandon's tender inquiry snapped Stella out of her reverie, but instead of relief, she found herself overcome with fresh tears, crying into his chest. Her sobs drew the girls' attention once more, their concern shifting back to Stella.
"I lost the sun, Brandon," she choked out between sobs. "I lost my sun."
"Just give her a couple of days, she'll be alright, don't worry," Riven reassured Brandon, patting his shoulder. They sat together on a bench in Alfea's garden, surrounded by the tranquility of nature. Brandon let out a heavy sigh, wanting desperately to believe Riven's words, but the weight of Stella's loss weighed heavily on his heart. She had always been the fairy of the sun, and losing that connection wasn't just a trivial matter—it was a profound change that he could see was devastating her.
Faragonda had sent a message to Stella's father, informing him of Stella's arrival tomorrow to Solaria, but the King was currently in Eraklyon for reasons unknown to Brandon. He couldn't help but wonder if it had something to do with the pressure the King of Eraklyon was exerting for Sky to marry Stella. Just the thought made Brandon's muscles tense with frustration. The King of Solaria would never force Stella into a marriage she didn't want, especially not with Sky, knowing how deeply she loved Brandon. And of course considering Bloom, who was Stella's best friend; was in love with Sky and vice versa. King Radius was too sensitive about the two girls.
Helia and Sky joined them, and Brandon's gaze shifted to Helia's now relaxed face. "How's Flora?" he inquired, finding solace in the positive news Helia shared. "Like new," Helia replied with a relieved smile. "She feels like she woke up from a deep sleep. I'm so thankful to Stella." Brandon nodded, his gratitude mingled with a sense of unease. He couldn't shake the feeling that Stella's sacrifice had come at too high a cost.
"I'm glad," Brandon murmured, forcing a smile for his friend's sake. He glanced up at Stella's balcony. Brandon lookout for her since last night but she was too tired and still sleeping. It was the only reason he wasn't with her at that moment. He had fought to accompany her to Solaria, despite objections from Codatorta and even Faragonda. But he was 21 now, and he didn't need anyone else's approval to be by Stella's side. And what the hell they thought they were doing by stopping him from going with her? Like it was possible.
"The girls are thinking about a plan to trace the Trix," said Sky but stopped immediately. "Icy and Darcy," Sky interjected, correcting himself quickly. Brandon nodded his understanding. Brandon's focus, however, remained solely on Stella. He was consumed by the desire to banish the darkness that had enveloped her and to reclaim the sun for her, even if it meant sacrificing himself in the process.
"Brandon?" Sky's voice brought him back to the present, and he met his friend's gaze with a determined expression. "How's Stella?" Sky asked, concern etched in his features. Brandon sighed, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension.
It's true that Brandon had been friends with Sky for many years, but he couldn't deny the uncomfortable truth that his father harbored an obsession with Stella. The King of Eraklyon had long chosen Stella to be his daughter-in-law, and Sky had remained silent about it, opting to keep his feelings for Bloom hidden. This silence only fueled Brandon's frustration, as he knew marrying a princess wasn't something he could do without earning the title of knight.
Thankfully, Stella's parents were understanding and progressive. They believed that their daughter should follow her heart and be with whomever she chose. This knowledge prevented Brandon from resorting to threats or violence against Sky. After all, Erendor couldn't force Stella into a marriage unless she wanted it herself. And deep down, Brandon knew that Stella's heart belonged to him alone.
Thinking of Stella warmed Brandon's heart, and he couldn't help but let out a deep breath, finding solace in the love they shared.
"She'll be better once she finds out where the sun went," he replied, his voice tinged with resolve.
"I heard you're going to accompany her to Solaria; do you need backup?" offered Riven, but Brandon shook his head, his attention drawn once again to Stella's balcony. This time, finding her in the balcony looking directly at him. Their eyes met and Brandon leapt to his feet, propelled by the need to be with her.
"She's awake. I'll go check on her. But thanks, man. I'll let you know if we need help," Brandon said hastily before rushing off to be by Stella's side. As the others watched Stella stand on her balcony, a sense of awe washed over them. It was as if she had sacrificed something far greater than anyone could imagine that night.
Stella couldn't tear her eyes away from the mirror, her fingers idly playing with the hem of her shorts. She couldn't help but notice how remarkably beautiful she had become. Yet, this newfound beauty only served to magnify the turmoil brewing inside her. Faragonda's warning echoed in her mind, urging her to refrain from using her powers for a while. And then there was Brandon—why was she being kept away from him? Codatorta and Faragonda were oddly trying to find reasons to keep them away from each other. The absence of the sun, coupled with the inexplicable hunger she felt for him, left her feeling unsettled. As much as the power of the moon was increasing in her, she felt the hunger for Brandon also increase.
Stella sighed as she sat down on her bed, her gaze still fixed on her reflection. The girls came to check on her minutes ago, but even their presence failed to lift her spirits. Instead of comforting her, their concern only served to worsen her inner turmoil. She could feel the power within her surging, crystallizing into a potent force that seemed to consume her from within.
As the door opened, Stella turned to see Brandon approaching her. He knelt in front of her, his hand gently cupping her cheek. "Baby," he murmured, his touch a soothing balm to her troubled soul. He pressed his lips to her cheek, his breath mingling with hers as he inhaled her scent. "How are you, beautiful? Did you sleep well?"
Stella nodded, attempting to offer him some reassurance. She could see the worry etched on Brandon's face, and it only served to deepen her own distress. Damn the Trix, she thought bitterly. They always seemed to appear at the most inopportune times, disrupting everything. Before their arrival, Stella and Brandon had been on the cusp of discovering Brandon's family. The king of Nyxoria had offered his assistance, intrigued by Stella's royal line. If there was to be a bond between Solaria and Nyxoria, the King preferred it to be between a noble house rather than a knight's castle. But now, with the sun's absence casting a pall over everything, their plans seemed to have been ruined.
With a heavy sigh, Brandon rose and closed the curtains, enveloping the room in a warm orange glow. Stella felt tears welling up in her eyes at the sight. Everything around her seemed cold and distant, a stark contrast to the vibrant colors that had once surrounded her.
"Stella," Brandon said softly as he sat next to her, enveloping her in his embrace. He held her tightly against him, his words a gentle murmur against her ear. Stella clung to him, her tears soaking his shirt as she sought solace in his arms.
"Please don't cry," Brandon pleaded, his voice thick with emotion. He pulled her onto his lap, cradling her close as he stroked her hair in a tender gesture of comfort. When Stella finally looked up at him, her eyes filled with weariness, Brandon's heart ached. She was breathtakingly beautiful, and he couldn't help but be mesmerized by her.
Faragonda had told them, the changes would become familiar over time and that everyone should be patient. Stella was always beautiful, there's nothing new on that area. Moon or not, she is always beautiful. The moon had added its own beauty to her, there was no need to be surprised, but he was. She was literally captivating. Brandon ran one of his hands over Stella's soft cheeks and wiped away her tears. His other hand was slowly wandering around her waist to calm her down.
"Faragonda said you couldn't come to Solaria. Is there something wrong?" asked Stella, concern evident on her facade. He took a deep breath, attempting to steady himself in her presence. The old fairy's decree to keep them apart only added to his frustration.
"There's nothing wrong, princess. I'll be with you, always," he assured her, planting a tender kiss on her forehead. Yet, even as he spoke, he felt a primal hunger stir within him, intensified by Stella's nearness. It was a craving unlike any he had known before, simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying.
In moments where anger surged through him, he found himself inexplicably drawn to Stella. But why? They had been together in this way before far too many times. Brandon was the type to prioritize Stella's needs above all else; thoughts of intimacy rarely crossed his mind when Stella wasn't well.
Stella glanced up at Brandon, her thoughts racing as she wet her lips, contemplating how to broach the topic. What can I say? Should I tell him I want him, to forget everything and just make love to me? Her internal deliberation was interrupted by Brandon's touch as he gently released her lip from between her teeth. "Don't," His murmured plea stirred the desire already simmering within her, prompting Stella to lean in and press her lips against his.
Their synchronized moans filled the air as Stella settled onto Brandon's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and deepening the kiss. Sensing her urgency, Brandon lifted her from his lap and laid her on the bed, his own desire evident as he hovered above her. Stella eagerly made room for him, spreading her legs as Brandon trailed kisses from her lips to her neck, igniting a hunger that seemed to consume them both. As their hunger grew, Brandon began leaving small bites on Stella's shoulder.
Hunger and thirst, whatever this was, intensified as if they were suffocating him, and the situation become uncontrollable. As Stella arched her hips towards Brandon, their connection growing more intense a moan and growl escaped from the back of Brandon's throat and he looked up into her amber eyes thinking he was going to drown there. "Stella." His moan made Stella squirm under him once more, grinding against him over again. He reluctantly paused, grasping her wrists as a warning echoed in his mind. Faragonda's words resurfaced, reminding him of the consequences of ignoring the rules.
"A reaction may occur, so I suggest you be patient with each other, at least until we find out what happened to the sun." Clearing her throat she continued, "Actually, it's not a suggestion; it's merely a warning I strongly want you to take it seriously."
Stella, however, pushed aside any concern, her desire for Brandon overpowering any sense of caution. "No, baby," even though his voice was almost wheezing, Brandon reluctantly had to let go of Stella, but she did not want to let go that easily. "Please," Stella's voice was a pleading whisper, her longing palpable. Brandon struggled to maintain control, his body betraying him as he fought against the urge to give in completely. "You can't imagine how hard this is for me," he admitted, his voice strained with desire.
Really, what the hell was this?! Brandon had been trained rigorously to maintain control, especially during missions with the Winx, often having to restrain himself from move forward with Stella, despite the burning desire coursing through his veins. And yes, it was a hard thing to do back than too but this time felt fucking impossible.
How could he want it when the risk of hurting Stella loomed? "Then don't stop," she breathed. Locking eyes with Stella, who radiated desire, passion, and love. His hand trailed over her skin, hidden by the fabric of her shorts, his touch gentle yet charged with longing. "I couldn't endure to hurt you, Stella. We'll stop, baby."
Though disappointment etched across Stella's face, she reluctantly heeded Brandon's warning. Rising to her elbows, she approached Brandon's face, which was still close, and grabbed his lips again, seeking solace in their shared intimacy. This was, of course, a bad idea. He growled and recoiled, rolling onto his back beside her. "Relax, beautiful. Trust me, I'm not that strong-willed. If anything were to happen to you because of me..." He shut his eyes, banishing the fear that threatened to overwhelm him. The damn moon power had made me worse than a hormonal teenager and fueled my jealousy.
As the admirers of Stella increased, Brandon's patience wore thin. He longed to whisk her away to Solaria and shield her from prying eyes. Though he had always been quick to deter admirers, their persistence now bordered on obsession.
Attempting to quell his rising anger, Brandon inhaled deeply. Sensing his turmoil, Stella nestled against his chest, causing him to flinch again from the proximity before he enveloped her in a protective embrace, planting a tender kiss atop her head.
"Brandon," Stella's voice was weary, "In Solaria," she began not really wanting to add more pressure to his shoulders but feeling the need to share this with him, "My father will probably be very angry with me." Brandon furrowed his brow, awaiting her next words. "Stay with me, okay?" Her plea tugged at his heartstrings, intensifying his resolve. "Even if you insist," Brandon made a silent vow, his lips brushing against Stella's forehead. "Even if you beg, I'll never leave you, sunshine." Though the nickname made Stella flinch, it was a testament to her warmth and radiance, captivating Brandon's heart and the universe alike. And nothing could stop her from getting it back.