Part 4

Morning passed into afternoon, and I stepped onto the main deck to check in with Hollow and Malachi.

"Did you two figure out how much longer until we arrive?" I asked.

Hollow glanced up from the wheel. "Five hours tops until Gemville."

I let out a sigh of relief. "That's great! I'm sure you're ecstatic."

"Indeed, I am," he said with a grin.

I hesitated, then asked, "Captain, I keep hearing this humming noise throughout the ship. Are you aware of it?"

He chuckled. "I'm used to it. This ship comes alive at night—when the stars and moon are out."

"Huh... interesting. At least I know I'm not the only one hearing it. Malachi, you knew too?"

Malachi nodded. "Yeah, I already knew."

I rolled my eyes. "Yet I'm the last to find out."

After a few more words, I kissed Malachi's cheek and left them to work.

On the front deck, I spotted a small owl perched on the railing. I approached quietly so as not to startle it. The owl turned its head toward me, sensing I meant no harm. I slipped on a glove from a nearby box and gently petted its head. "Hey there, buddy. What are you doing here?"

Malachi appeared, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Hey, love. I see you've made a new friend."

I smiled. "It flew down here just after I left the control room."

He glanced at the sky. "According to the map, we'll be there in less than five hours."

"So, before sunset?" I asked.

"Most likely."

"How exciting. Maybe this place really does exist."

The owl hooted softly, enjoying the attention. "Are you excited too?" I asked playfully. It hooted again. Hollow's voice called Malachi back to the control room, and he kissed my cheek before leaving.

I looked at the owl. "I don't know if you're a boy or girl. If you're a boy, flap your wings. If you're a girl, give a hoot." The owl flapped its wings.

"Okay, nice. Now what can I name you?" I mused. The owl tilted its head and hooted.

"How about Moon?" I suggested. Another hoot. "Moon it is!"

Later, I returned to my cabin to unwind.

Three hours passed. After eating, I settled in the library, reading about Gemville. One passage caught my eye: at night, gemstones in the ground glow like stars. I smiled to myself. "That would be incredible to see."

Suddenly, Hollow's voice echoed through the intercom: "Attention everyone, including Celeste... we will be arriving in an hour and landing on solid ground."

Malachi entered the library. "Hollow gave you a break?" I asked.

He nodded. "We hit a bit of turbulence, but we'll be fine."

"I wondered what that movement was. I know we're safe."

The hum returned, steady and alive, as if the ship itself knew our secret bond. I walked to the window and saw the sun setting. The clock read 4:35 P.M. Malachi and I stepped onto the deck, where Hollow pointed ahead.

We followed his gesture—and there, faint in the distance, was something shimmering. Halfway to Gemville. My breath caught. Hollow's certainty was no longer in doubt.

Moon soared into the sky, flying toward the horizon as if it was guiding us. Excitement surged through me.

Then Hollow's voice rang out once more: "Hang on tight, everyone. Landing may be bumpy."

We gathered in the living room, waiting, hearts racing, as the ship carried us closer to the unknown.