Astra's Arc

Chapter 1 of 5

Astra pressed her small blue paws against the cold lab window. Inside, human researchers moved between glowing machines and metal tables. She had to find the baby before they did. The experiments were getting worse each day. Her pink-striped tail twitched as she watched a researcher carry a strange device toward the holding cells. The baby was in there somewhere, helpless and alone. Astra's large eyes narrowed with determination. She would get inside tonight and bring the baby to safety, no matter what it took. She had already found the perfect place to hide the baby once she got it out. A floating island drifted above the lavender waters, far from the lab. Crystal caves dotted its surface, shimmering with dark purple and bright neon colors. The researchers would never think to look there. Astra had tested the route three times already, memorizing every turn and shadow. But first, she needed a safe path through the research area. The nursery cave behind the waterfall would work perfectly. Dark purple moss covered the entrance, glowing with neon magenta and blue streaks. The water would hide any sounds she made. She could slip the baby through there without being seen. The moss was thick enough to muffle even the loudest cry. Astra spotted a hideaway near the lab's outer wall, covered in the same alien moss. This would be her escape route if things went wrong. The neon accents would help her find it even in darkness. She took a deep breath and waited for the lights inside to dim. Tonight, she would bring the baby home to safety.