Chapter Text
EXT. THE MORNINGSTAR HOTEL — DUSK
The hotel-castle hybrid looms against a bruised violet sky — gold leaf catching the last embers of light, the old blue stained glass replaced with deep amber and crimson panels. Lanterns drift along invisible currents above the courtyard. The front looks almost welcoming — a grand hotel entrance with wide marble steps.
Behind it, the silhouette of spires and towers rises — the castle proper, half-hidden in a fog of soft gold light.
A figure in Victorian dress climbs the steps. Calm. Precise. Every step measured.
This is ALEX.
---
INT. HOTEL LOBBY
Alex steps inside, glancing around with sharp, assessing eyes — taking inventory of the décor, the architecture, the exits. He adjusts his cuffs.
**ALEX**
(muttering to himself)
...Gold instead of blue. How predictable.
He produces a small leather journal from his coat and jots something down without looking, eyes still scanning the room.
The front doors open again behind him.
---
DAISY enters — towering, warm-eyed, practically glowing with friendliness. She spots Alex immediately.
**DAISY**
(brightly)
Alex!
Alex turns. For a half-second, something flickers across his face — recognition, maybe even warmth — before he catches himself and smooths it into composed neutrality.
**ALEX**
Daisy.
A beat of silence. Neither moves closer.
**DAISY**
(awkward smile)
...You're looking well.
**ALEX**
(stiffly)
As are you.
Another beat. Alex clears his throat and looks back toward the décor, very deliberately giving himself something else to focus on.
**ALEX**
(too formal)
The architecture here is... derivative. But structurally sound, I suppose.
**DAISY**
(relieved to have something to talk about)
Right! Yeah. Structurally sound. Very— sound.
They both nod, neither looking at the other.
---
A voice drips out from the shadows behind a nearby pillar.
**ELIZABETH (O.S.)**
(sing-song)
Oh, would you two just *talk* already—
**ALEX**
(flinching, spinning around)
—!!
Elizabeth steps out of the shadow with a theatrical flourish, grinning like she's just won something.
**ELIZABETH**
*Boo.*
**ALEX**
(recovering instantly, smoothing his coat)
I wasn't startled.
**ELIZABETH**
(delighted)
You jumped two feet in the air.
**ALEX**
(through his teeth)
I did *not.*
**ELIZABETH**
(turning to Daisy, conspiratorial)
He did.
**DAISY**
(grinning)
He kind of did.
**ALEX**
(offended)
I am *composed* at all times—
**ELIZABETH**
(cutting him off, looping an arm through his)
Sure you are, sweetheart. Come on. Let's not keep Her Majesty waiting.
She drags him toward the inner doors. Alex shoots one last withering look back at Daisy, who just shrugs, smiling, and follows.
---
INT. MEETING HALL — CORRIDOR
The three walk together down a long gold-and-crimson corridor. Portraits line the walls — none of faces, just abstract gold sigils.
**ELIZABETH**
(idly examining her nails)
So. Anyone know what this is actually about? Or are we all just here because Her Highness sent a very dramatic letter and we were *bored?*
**DAISY**
(thoughtful)
The letter said it was important. Something about... getting out.
**ALEX**
(sharp, immediately alert)
Out of the Under-Heaven?
**DAISY**
That's what it sounded like.
**ALEX**
(quiet, processing)
...That's not possible. Not without—
**ELIZABETH**
(interrupting, bored)
Oh, here we go. Give him five seconds and he's already written a thesis.
**ALEX**
(defensive)
I am simply pointing out that—
**ELIZABETH**
(sweetly)
Mm-hm. Sure you are.
They reach a set of large gilded doors. Alex straightens his coat. Daisy fixes her smile. Elizabeth just looks amused.
The doors open.
---
INT. THE MEETING ROOM
A grand circular chamber — a long table dominates the center, golden light pouring down from a domed ceiling of red-amber glass. The walls are lined with old banners, half of them scorched, half of them new. Red candles flicker against the gold walls, casting warm, shifting light.
The three enter. The room is empty — for now.
**ELIZABETH**
(looking around, unimpressed)
Hm. Smaller than I expected.
**DAISY**
(quietly, looking up at the ceiling)
It's beautiful, though.
**ALEX**
(already pulling out a chair, sitting with perfect posture)
It's *defensible.* Single entry point, no windows at ground level, raised dais for the head seat—
**ELIZABETH**
(sitting, cutting him off)
*Riveting.*
---
A side door — Luna's own private entrance — opens.
Luna steps through, and for a moment, even Elizabeth's smirk falters.
She looks *different.* Sharper. A deep red suit replacing the rumpled blazer, fitted with new confidence, her crown sitting steady instead of askew. Something about her posture has settled — not soft, exactly, but no longer performing quite so hard.
Beside her, Dreamer walks at her pace — his arm still bandaged beneath his sleeve, but his face freshly repainted, the gold and blue crisp and clean again.
**LUNA**
(easy smile, settling into the head seat)
Evening, everyone. Glad you could all make it in one piece.
**ALEX**
(eyeing her outfit, unreadable)
...Red suits you.
**LUNA**
(grinning)
Careful, Alex. That almost sounded like a compliment.
**ALEX**
(immediately)
It was an observation.
**LUNA**
(waving a hand)
Sure, sure.
---
The doors BANG open.
Everyone flinches — even Dreamer jumps slightly, his hand going to his side out of pure reflex.
VIOLET storms in, phone glued to her ear, not even looking at the room.
**VIOLET**
(into phone)
—oh yeah, I just arrived. They're here, come on, you can trust me, okay? Bye, Mommy. Kisses.
She hangs up and finally looks up — registering the room full of people staring at her. She doesn't look remotely embarrassed.
**LUNA**
(recovering, dry)
...It's *very* nice to see you in person, Violet. Such a great first impression.
**VIOLET**
(dropping into a chair, already scrolling)
Oh, don't mention it.
**DREAMER**
(politely)
And, ah— will your mother be joining us today?
**VIOLET**
(scoffing, not looking up)
Of course not. The *underworld* needs her more than some fallen angel who thinks Hell owes her something. I'm here to represent.
**DREAMER**
(faint smile, very diplomatic)
...Lovely.
**VIOLET**
(glancing at Luna, smirking slightly)
So. I'm guessing the *other one* rejected your little invitation?
**LUNA**
(opening her mouth)
Uhh— actua—
---
**LUCKY (O.S.)**
(from outside, screaming with pure delight)
*DREAMYYYY!!*
The doors fly open again before anyone can react. A woman bursts in — bright, loud, radiating an almost overwhelming warmth, eyes immediately locking onto Dreamer like he's the only person in the room.
**LUCKY**
Oh my STARS — my child! It's so, SO good to see you after all this time!
She rushes over, cupping Dreamer's face in both hands, beaming.
**LUCKY**
(continued)
Aww, look at you — just as perfect as I remember! Wait—
(gasp)
—what happened to your ARM?! Are you HURT? Unacceptable. Let me fix that right now!
**DREAMER**
(alarmed)
Oh— no, really, it's fi—
She snaps her fingers.
**BOOM.**
A flash of golden light — and Dreamer's arm is whole again, bandages gone, his sleeve replaced with the fabric of an entirely new, slightly more elaborate robe. A small hat materializes on his head, perfectly fitted.
**LUCKY**
(continued, delighted)
There! Good as new! Aren't you just the *cutest* little—
**ELIZABETH**
(flat, cutting through instantly)
*Mother.* That's enough.
The room goes quiet. Lucky's energy doesn't dim exactly — but it folds, instantly, like she's used to this exact correction.
**LUCKY**
(giggling, a little sheepish)
Oh — right, sorry! I do talk a lot sometimes.
She gives Dreamer one last fond pat on the cheek, waves cheerfully at the room —
**LUCKY**
(continued)
Have fun, everyone!
— and sweeps back out, the doors swinging shut behind her.
A beat of silence.
**LUNA**
(leaning toward Dreamer, deadpan)
Did I ever mention how much I hate that woman?
**DREAMER**
(still slightly stunned, looking at his new sleeve)
...No. But I'm starting to understand why.
---
**ALEX**
(not looking up from his journal)
And did I ever mention how much I'd appreciate it if you'd finally *mature,* Luna? You're acting incredibly childish.
**LUNA**
(immediate, delighted)
*HA!* Like I'd take advice from the *son of the Radio Demon.*
**ALEX**
(calm, sharp)
And like I'd expect *politeness* from the Devil's daughter.
**LUNA**
(grinning, leaning back)
Fuck you.
**DREAMER**
(quickly, stepping in)
Okay — okay! Anyways — Mister Alexand—
Alex turns and gives Dreamer a single, glacial look. Dreamer's voice dies instantly.
**DREAMER**
(small)
...Alex. Why don't you take a seat.
**ALEX**
(glancing at Luna first, then settling into a chair)
Of course.
---
A *crack-fizz* of static and a flash of blue light — CAROLINA teleports directly into the empty seat beside Violet, mid-spin, one joint clicking loudly as it settles into place.
**CAROLINA**
(immediately, way too loud)
HI.
**VIOLET**
(not even flinching, still scrolling)
Hi.
Luna stares at her for a long beat.
**LUNA**
(leaning toward Elizabeth, under her breath)
...Does she always do that?
**ELIZABETH**
(not looking up)
Every time.
**CAROLINA**
(cheerfully, to no one in particular)
I like this room. It's shiny.
Violet, without looking up from her phone, reaches over and nudges Carolina's chair back into alignment — a small, practiced, automatic motion.
---
Luna looks around the table — Alex's sharp gaze, Elizabeth's smirk, Daisy's warm patience, Violet's disinterest, Carolina's bright unfocused energy. Dreamer settles into a seat just slightly behind her, not at the table itself.
Luna takes a slow breath. The playful edge drains out of her posture, just slightly.
**LUNA**
(quieter now)
Okay. So.
(beat)
Thanks for coming. All of you.
Alex closes his journal. Elizabeth's smirk fades slightly. Even Violet looks up from her phone.
**LUNA**
We need to talk about getting out of here.
Silence.
**ALEX**
(carefully)
...Out of the Under-Heaven.
**LUNA**
(nodding)
Out of the Under-Heaven.
**DAISY**
(gently)
Luna... is that even *possible?*
**LUNA**
(steady)
I don't know. That's the point. None of us have ever tried — not really, not all together. We've all been sitting in our own little corners of this place for centuries, pretending it's fine.
(beat)
It's not fine.
**ELIZABETH**
(arms crossed, tilting her head)
Mm. And what, exactly, brought this on? Last I heard, you were perfectly happy ruling your little dollhouse kingdom.
**LUNA**
(flat)
Things change.
**ELIZABETH**
(smiling, but sharper now)
*Do* they?
She leans forward slightly.
**ELIZABETH**
(continued)
Because from where I'm sitting, this feels very sudden. Very *urgent.* And you don't strike me as someone who does anything urgently unless something's scared her.
**LUNA**
(too quickly)
Nothing's scared me.
**ELIZABETH**
(softly, almost gentle — which is somehow worse)
Mm-hm.
---
A beat of silence. Then —
A single, low note hums from nowhere — the air itself seeming to vibrate. Candle flames stretch upward, gold light pooling unnaturally across the table.
Luna's eyes flash. She rises slightly from her seat — and the air *snaps* into rhythm.
---
LUNA
(singing, sharp)
🎵 You better show some respect
Check your behavior
No one speaks to my face that way
Did you expect us to sit back
And take this insolent, brazen display?
ELIZABETH
(taking the melody, smug)
🎵 Haha, you've got it twisted
I'm not the one who needs a new attitude
Maybe you missed it
But I'm the daughter of the Radio Demon here
And I will do nothing less than what I please—
(beat, almost a laugh)
🎵 Remember who my father is
Mad that I'm actin' respectless
Well, it's 'cause no one could respect this—
"Sorry," group attendin'—
Since when are the Young Royalties too excited to fight?
You're long overdue for a landing—
Sorry, dear, but I ain't swiping right—
You lost your relevance—
ALEX
(quiet, attempting to de-escalate — spoken, not sung)
We can't act without more intelligence—
ELIZABETH
(ignoring him completely, melody sharpening)
🎵 Ugh, no wonder I'm so respectless—
I could eat you lot for breakfast—
You and your little group are inane and uninformed—
She gestures broadly at the table — Daisy, Violet, Carolina, all of them.
ELIZABETH
(continued)
🎵 Smug little wannabes, who don't heed when they've been warned—
Luna's jaw tightens. The candles flare.
LUNA
(taking the melody back, vicious now)
🎵 Oh, I've lost relevance? That's rich—
Coming from a girl whose whole identity's a stitch—
Sewn together from her daddy's name—
Without him you'd be NOTHING — just a face with no claim—
Elizabeth's smirk falters — just slightly. Real anger flickers underneath now.
ELIZABETH
(voice dropping — taking the melody back with force)
🎵 Oops. Did I strike a nerve?
'Cause when I brought up your little throne—
Couldn't help but observe—
That your composure's already blown—
(leaning forward)
🎵 And why are you suddenly bringing war?
That's what you've been avoiding all along—
Thanks to me being "respectless"—
One thing I'm starting to suspect is—
The candle flames flare violently. Luna's eyes flash gold for half a second.
ELIZABETH
(continued, softer now — almost gentle, which is worse)
🎵 You know exactly why Heaven came here to begin with—
(beat)
🎵 Care to disclose it?
LUNA
(slamming both hands on the table — the melody CUTS OFF HARD)
This meeting's over.
The music dies instantly. The candles snap back to normal. The silence that follows is deafening.
LUNA
(quiet, controlled — but shaking slightly)
We'll regroup tomorrow. Go home. Rest.
No one argues. No one even breathes too loud.
---
One by one, chairs push back. Daisy rises first, glancing worriedly at Luna. Violet pockets her phone without a word. Carolina teleports out with a small *crack-fizz,* taking her chair's cushion with her by accident. Alex stands stiffly, jaw tight, eyes on his sister.
Elizabeth doesn't look at anyone. She rises, smooths her skirt, and walks out first — head high, but moving fast.
---
INT. CASTLE CORRIDOR — MOMENTS LATER
Elizabeth walks briskly, arms crossed. Footsteps behind her — quick, deliberate.
**ALEX (O.S.)**
Elizabeth.
She doesn't stop.
**ALEX**
(catching up, voice low and tight)
What was *that?*
**ELIZABETH**
(not slowing)
What was what?
**ALEX**
(stepping in front of her, blocking her path)
You know exactly what. You nearly dragged something out of her that she clearly didn't want known — in front of *everyone* — over what? Pride? Because she insulted you?
**ELIZABETH**
(finally looking at him, something flickering behind the smirk)
She insulted *you* too, Alex. Or did you miss that part?
**ALEX**
(quiet)
I didn't miss it.
(beat)
But that's not the point. You could've started a war in that room over a *grudge.* That's reckless, Liz. That's—
**ELIZABETH**
(sharp, cutting him off)
That's *enough,* Alex.
She steps around him.
**ELIZABETH**
(continued, walking away)
I don't need a lecture. Especially not from you.
She disappears around the corner. Alex stands there a moment, jaw tight, then exhales slowly and turns the other way.
---
INT. LUNA'S PRIVATE QUARTERS — BALCONY
Luna stands alone at the railing, arms wrapped around herself, staring out at the gold-lit city below. The crown sits on the railing beside her, abandoned.
Footsteps. Dreamer approaches, hesitant, stopping a respectful distance away.
**DREAMER**
(gently)
Hey.
**LUNA**
(not turning)
I'm fine.
**DREAMER**
(quiet)
I didn't ask if you were fine.
**LUNA**
(short)
I know what you were gonna ask.
(beat)
I don't want to talk about it, dad.
**DREAMER**
(a step closer)
Luna—
**LUNA**
(turning, sharper than intended)
I said I don't *want* to.
The words land harder than she means them to. Dreamer's expression doesn't change much — but something in his posture does. He nods, once.
**DREAMER**
(softly)
...Okay.
He turns and walks back inside, quietly closing the door behind him.
Luna stays at the railing. Doesn't move. Doesn't call after him.
---
INT. CASTLE CORRIDOR — DREAMER'S ROOM
Dreamer closes the door behind him and stands there a moment in the dim light. He looks down at his repaired arm, flexes the fingers slowly.
A low piano note drifts in from nowhere. Soft. Aching.
---
INT. ALEX'S CHAMBERS — SAME TIME
Alex stands at his window, journal closed on the desk behind him. He stares out at nothing, hands tight at his sides.
ALEX
(singing, low, controlled)
🎵 I always thought
That if I kept the sins off my soul—
But when those things attacked our place—
I had to act—
(voice tightening
)
🎵 To cross every line and keep them safe—
And if about that they knew—
Then all of them would rush to war, and who's to say
Who'd survive the fray—
He turns from the window, fists clenching
.
ALEX
(continued)
🎵 I might lose the ones that I was fighting for—
So I — I'll be their keeper—
Do whatever it takes—
I might make some mistakes—
But I'd lose my life to keep it a secret—
CROSSFADE TO:
INT. DREAMER'S ROOM — SAME TIME
Dreamer sits slowly on the edge of his bed, looking at his repaired hands.
DREAMER
(singing, gentle)
🎵 When I saw your face—
You made me feel like a stranger in a brand new place—
And it felt so good—
To see you grow—
(voice catching slightly)
🎵 But there are things I wished I'd told you sooner—
So I — I'll be your armor—
Do whatever it takes—
I might make some mistakes—
But I'll spend my life being your partner—
The two melodies begin to weave together — Alex's controlled and clipped, carrying the weight of something hidden; Dreamer's warm and aching, carrying the weight of devotion freely given. Neither aware of the other.
ALEX
(continued)
🎵 And I — don't know what I might face—
But I know I can't replace you, so—
I'll do anything to save you—
DREAMER
(continued, overlapping)
🎵 And I — would try to make your wishes come true—
ALEX & DREAMER
(in duet, the melodies finally aligning)
🎵 Whatever we go through—
ALEX
🎵 I'll be their keeper—
DREAMER
🎵 I'll be your armor—
BOTH
🎵 Whatever it might take—
ALEX
🎵 I might make some mistakes—
DREAMER
🎵 I might make some mistakes—
ALEX & DREAMER
(together, final note holding)
🎵 Whatever it might take—
The final chord lingers — Alex's hand pressed flat against the window glass; Dreamer's hand resting over his own chest, right where the star pin used to sit. Neither moves for a long moment.
The music fades.
INT. CASTLE CORRIDOR — DREAMER'S DOOR — LATER
A soft knock. Dreamer opens the door.
Luna stands there. Crown back on, but her expression is open — tired, a little embarrassed.
LUNA
(quiet)
Hey.
DREAMER
(surprised)
...Hey.
LUNA
(looking down, then back up)
I'm sorry. For earlier. On the balcony.
(beat)
You didn't deserve that. None of this is your fault, and I just— took it out on you because it was easier than dealing with it.
Dreamer studies her for a moment. That same gentle warmth from when she was a kid.
DREAMER
(softly)
...Thank you for saying that.
LUNA
(small, almost a smile — and without thinking, easy as breathing)
Yeah, well. Don't get used to it, Dad.
The word slips out so naturally she doesn't even seem to notice it.
Dreamer's smile
— just slightly. That old, familiar flicker of guilt crosses his face.
DREAMER
(gently)
Luna. I'm not—
LUNA
(already turning, waving a hand, half down the corridor)
Yeah, yeah, I know. "Not your dad." Heard it a million times.
(over her shoulder, small smile)
Doesn't change anything.
She disappears around the corner toward her own room.
Dreamer stands there a moment, the words sitting heavy and warm in his chest all at once. He doesn't correct her again. He just watches the empty corridor for a beat longer than necessary — then quietly closes the door.