Silver moonlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting dancing shadows on the walls of Shining Marigold's room. The princess stood in front of the bed, her silhouette silhouetted against the night sky, her eyes, wide open, her face turned into a canvas, initial irritation giving way to momentary relief, but quickly replaced by deep unease

• "What are you doing here?" - echoed her voice, charged with a mixture of conflicting emotions. Initial surprise gave way to deep concern, tinged with a hint of confusion and, deep down, a hint of relief. Shining advanced cautiously, her hooves producing a dull echo in the silence of the night.

Rainbow exhaled deeply, closing her eyes for a moment before responding. - "Shining, I... I got the wrong room, I'm sorry" - her voice sounded hoarse and devoid of its usual energy. Her eyes, usually bright and defiant, were now dull and surrounded by dark circles under her eyes.

Shining took another step forward, her rigid posture betraying the internal struggle between her outrage over Rainbow's escape and her concern over the deplorable state she found her in. - "Is that all you have to say?" - Dash, still on the ground, raised her head slightly, one eyebrow raised almost imperceptibly in a gesture that was barely a shadow of her defiant attitude.

• "What else do you expect me to say?" - she mentioned without any latent expression in her voice. Shining took a deep breath, struggling to maintain her composure.

• "You escaped in a very complicated way despite your condition, you left us imagining the worst, do you have any idea how that made us feel Rainbow Dash?" - Shining's tone was etching Dash back to when her teachers would reprimand her after getting into some trouble with her bullies in primary basic.

Rainbow averted her gaze for a moment, fighting the urge to respond with the same intensity - "I know, and I'm sorry. But I'm not here to explain myself right now."

• "Can't you do it now?" - Shining let out a dry, humorless laugh. - "And when will it be a good time for you, Rainbow? when it's already too late?"

Dash growled - "Well tomorrow it will be, and if you won't settle for that then I don't know what you'll settle for..." - Before continuing she shut herself up, really, she wasn't up for this right now. She exhaled again and raised a hoof in the direction of the unicorn, in order to prevent the unicorn from giving an answer that might upset things again - "I'm sorry, I'll back off right now."

She began to sit up, propping herself up on shaky legs. However, as she tried to stand up, her strength failed her. Her wings flapped weakly in an instinctive attempt to keep her balance, but to no avail. Before she could fall, Shining moved swiftly, placing herself at her side to support her.

• "It's obvious that on your own you won't be able to make it to your room" - Shining murmured, an invitation to be helped her way. Rainbow, at any other time, would have proudly refused help. But I reiterate, she was not for that now, so she allowed herself to lean on Shining Marigold's shoulder.

Rainbow turned, surprised by Shining's suggestion and seeming - "Thank you" - she whispered, her voice barely noticeable.

As they walked silently through the corridors of the castle, the tension between them gradually dissipated, Shining advanced adjusting her pace to Rainbow's as they made their way towards the door. The hallway was plunged into a quiet gloom, illuminated only by the faint moonlight filtering through the windows. Their footsteps echoed softly in the nighttime silence.

As they slowly made their way toward Rainbow's room, just a few doors down, Shining couldn't help but notice how light the pegasus felt. The physical contact, which at first had been awkward and full of hesitation, began to transform into a strange sense of comfort.

They arrived at the door of Rainbow's room, and Shinning, with a gesture of delicacy, opened it carefully while she helped the pegasus to enter. The room was just as it had been given to her, everything was in order, every object in its place and how could it not be, if the night before she had not spent it there, but with Fleetfoot, who together with Spitfire had visited her. And tonight, they along with Soarin, had not only saved her from an imminent fall, but had also rescued her from the darkness that threatened to envelop and blind her, she would have to work on that.

Rainbow slowly separated from Shining, wobbling slightly before finding her balance. She turned to look at her - "Thank you for joining me" - she said as her eyes flashed a small glow that failed to fully illuminate Shinning's.

• "You're welcome" - she replied, and with a final exchange of glances proceeded to turn to return to her room.

• "Shinning Marigold..." - Dash called out to her, causing her to stop and look over her shoulder. Rainbow's voice had a soft, almost imploring tone. - "Rest" - Shining smiled slightly, feeling the weight of Rainbow's words, her shoulders visibly relaxing.

• "I will" - Shining replied sincerely. She turned around and started walking back to the exit, but not before throwing one last glance towards Rainbow - "I hope you will too" - With those words, Shining retreated, gently closing the door behind her.

She stood in the hallway for a moment, listening, until she heard the soft creak of the bed as it received Rainbow's weight. As she moved away towards her own room, Shining couldn't help but think how fragile the situation seemed.

The days seemed longer and longer.

Dawn came with a camouflaged softness, bathing Canterlot Castle in shades of gold and pink. In the royal dining room, an everyday scene unfolded with routine calm. The royal family had already taken their places at the long mahogany table glistening in the morning light. The cooks, working with the efficiency of years of service, came and went in quiet harmony, coordinating breakfast, while the Wonderbolts began to arrive in small groups, their conversations filling the space with the murmur of relaxed voices.

Some still seemed sleepy, while others chatted animatedly about the previous day's events and plans for the day ahead. The long mahogany table gleamed in the morning light filtering through the tall windows. The tinkling of porcelain and the murmur of conversation filled the air.

Shining Marigold leaned toward Blooming, her voice barely a whisper as she told her about the recent evening's events with Dash. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of emotion and concern, and her words were quick and choppy, as if she feared someone else might hear.

Aster was situated next to her, his gaze wandering absently around the table as he tried to catch some of his sisters' conversation. However, his attention was repeatedly focused on the empty chair to his right, a space that seemed to clamor for the presence of a certain colorful mare, and, after a moment, he turned his head toward them both.

-"Does anyone know why Moonflower hasn't shown up?” -he asked, his voice laden with mild trepidation. His gaze shifted to that of his sisters.

Both sisters turned to look at him, exchanging a quick glance before Blooming answered matter-of-factly - “She's probably just resting” - she replied in a reassuring tone, though her eyes revealed a hint of doubt. - “Don't worry, the cooks will bring her breakfast”.

Aster frowned slightly, not entirely satisfied with the answer - “We could have saved them that hassle” - he mentioned, his tone reflecting a mixture of concern

Shining, seeing an opportunity to calm his brother, patted him lightly on the shoulder. - “Relax, you'll see her later. I'm sure she's recovering well.”

Near them, Fleetfoot, sitting next to Blooming, couldn't help but overhear the conversation. The light blue-furred mare could barely contain a yawn as the exhaustion of the previous night weighed on her eyelids. With a languid movement, she laid her head on Spitfire's shoulder, seeking support and comfort. The captain for her part maintained an upright and alert posture despite the fatigue evident in her eyes. Her scanning scanned the room with military precision, pausing briefly at each familiar face until she noticed Rainbow Dash's absence. A slight grimace of concern crossed her face, creasing her brow.

She turned to Soarin, who was conversing animatedly with Thunderlane, though his mind seemed to be elsewhere. His eyes occasionally wandered to the entrance of the dining hall, as if awaiting someone's arrival.

• “Soarin” - Spitfire called to him, her steady voice cutting through the conversation. He turned to her, one eyebrow raised in question, his expression quickly changing from surprise to attention. - “Could you go get Rainbow Dash from her room? Please?” - Spitfire asked - “She's around the same area we were in last night. I'm worried she's not here, considering she checked out early.”

Soarin's countenance changed immediately, his relaxed expression morphing into one of concentration. He nodded without hesitation. - “Sure, I'll take care of it” - he replied firmly, rising from his seat without delay. He waved a brief farewell to Thunderlane and headed down the corridors leading to the secluded suite where Rainbow Dash was staying.

As Soarin made his way to Rainbow's room, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, the actuality of the situation they now found themselves in still gave so much to process in such a short time. Recent events, a curse that disguised their help as a tour, Moonflower, and Dash's estrangement were fighting for the center of her attention. Two of these four thoughts were getting the upper edge on each other.

It wasn't long before he was in front of the room he now recognized as Dash's. Soarin knocked softly, his patience reflected in the calmness with which he knocked.

There was no immediate response, which made him frown and knock again.

-“Dash? Are you there?” - he called, his voice full of intrigue. Seconds that seemed like minutes and again, silence persisted, broken only by the soft murmur of distant conversations in the dining room.

The young pegasus leaned his ear against the door and sharpened his hearing, closing his eyes to concentrate. The familiar sound of Rainbow Dash's snoring reached his ears, eerily similar to Moonflower's by the way. Her eyes narrowed with determination, and, finally, he turned the handle. The door opened with a soft click, and Soarin stepped cautiously inside, surprised to find it unlocked, though more surprised he was by what he found inside.

The room that revealed itself to him was impeccably tidy for Rainbow Dash's. Everything seemed perfectly placed, except for the bed, where a bundle of sheets moved rhythmically with the breathing of the sleeping pegasus, whom, they embraced in an enviable sleep. Soarin approached with silent steps, observing the scene with a mixture of tenderness and curiosity. The air smelled of her, that familiar hint of freshness and vanilla that always accompanied her.

The pillows writhed with delight as they gently supported the head of one who could rest the most magnificent dreams or the most terrible nightmares, the multicolored mane scattered on the pillow in a precious mess. Her wings rested on the mattress that sagged with the body of the most beautiful mare his eyes had ever seen, and on this mattress, in a corner, lay a large beige robe that could not possibly be the size of that mare...He paused...

That robe... Soarin's heart skipped a beat, immediately recognizing the garment. He took it between his hooves and analyzed it, his mind racing a mile a minute, trying to find a logical explanation for its presence there and there was no doubt. The brush of the fabric against his hooves awakened in him a cascade of memories from the night before.

What was Moonflower's robe doing in Rainbow Dash's room?

Soarin's subtle movement was enough to disturb Rainbow's sleep. Slowly, she emerged from her chrysalis of blankets, sitting up as she rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the drowsiness, blinking in confusion at the light and the silhouette in front of her.

Her gaze, still blurry from sleep, settled on Soarin. At first, her mind tried to process what she was seeing, as if she couldn't immediately connect the familiarity of his presence with the context she was in. It was then that, suddenly, a flash of panic crossed her eyes, waking her up completely. Surprise flashed through her like lightning, tensing her muscles, though she tried to remain calm in her expression.

- “Soarin?...” - She whispered, her voice barely audible, surprise and fear dancing in her gaze.

That call...A shiver ran down Soarin's spine. There was something about the way Rainbow had said his name, a familiar sound, yet charged with a strange, unnerving melancholy that left him uneasy, that defied logic.

Rainbow tensed slightly, the initial surprise quickly giving way to a wary expression. - “What... what are you doing here?” - She asked, her voice still hoarse from sleep, but with a hint of nervousness that did not go unnoticed by Soarin.

The blue pegasus, still holding the robe between his hooves, responded with a question of his own - “What is this doing here, Dash?” - His tone was soft, but charged with an intensity that demanded answers.

Rainbow felt as if the air in the room had become thick, making it difficult for her to breathe. Her mind, still drowsy, worked at full speed trying to come up with a plausible explanation.

• “I don't understand what you mean”- she replied, trying to make her voice sound casual...Of course she knew what he meant, and she still wonders how she could have been so reckless to have left it there, in full view of everyone. Due to her tiredness she didn't glimpse that, casually, someone would go into her room to wake her up, and to her bad luck, someone who knew perfectly well what happened the night before.

• “How could you not know Rainbow Dash?” - Soarin insisted, his voice mixing frustration and disbelief - “This robe is from Moonflower. The same one I wore last night. How come you have it?"- he accosted her without preamble, his gaze fixed on her, waiting for an answer.

• “Please Soarin” - she said with carelessness, adopting a defensive posture - “all the rooms have some provisional clothes in their closets” - she argued, not sure if that was true - “It is possible that this robe is repeated in several rooms, there are many of them after all.”

Soarin narrowed his eyes, not entirely convinced. - “Of course it's possible, if it weren't for the fact that this robe has very specific marks” - he said in an accusing tone - “it happens to have the same rips on the sides, it has dust on the cuff area and...” -he hesitated for a moment before continuing- “it has some of my hairs stuck to the neck, from when I helped Moonflower last night. So you can't tell me this is just a coincidence, Dash.” - He mentioned, still demanding an explanation with his tone of voice. His gaze was piercing, as if he was trying to read her thoughts.

Although now that he thought about it, what explanation could possibly have enough logic in these moments? Unbeknownst to him, Dash was thinking about it too.

Her mind was racing frantically, searching for a way out, an explanation that could satisfy Soarin without revealing the truth that threatened to bring it all crashing down. She needed a distraction, something to divert attention from the uncomfortable truth.

Conversation was lively and steady over breakfast, the royal family sharing various anecdotes with the Bolts and vice versa, Suddenly, Blooming Rose noticed another absence at the table. Her eyes scanned the familiar faces until she confirmed her suspicions, the light blue steed was not present. With a subtle movement, she leaned towards Fleetfoot with curiosity and caution

-” Excuse me, Fleetfoot, right? “ - she whispered, her voice carefully modulated so as not to attract attention - ‘Could I ask you where your partner is, the green-eyed sky-blue steed, I thought I saw him a few moments ago next to Spitfire?’ - she asked quietly, feigning a casual tone as her hind hooves caught Shinning's attention with light kicks under the table.

Fleetfoot, in the middle of a mouthful of breakfast, blinked and swallowed quickly before replying with her usual nonchalance. - “Oh, Soarin?”-Spitfire sent him to fetch Rainbow Dash from her room. Looks like she overslept again“-she commented with a relaxed smile-”You'll notice, she's tricky when it comes to getting up early.”

Worry seeped into her eyes, but her exterior remained serene - “Oh, I see...” -she mumbled as she pretended to take a sip of orange juice- “Although, honestly, it seems to be taking longer than usual, don't you think?” -she added with a nervous chuckle, as if trying to downplay her own words.

Fleetfoot let out a playful chuckle, oblivious to the undertone of the conversation. - “Believe me, that's the least you should worry about” - she said with a mischievous grin, completely oblivious to Blooming's growing concern.

Blooming Rose kept her smile serene, but in her mind alarm bells were beginning to ring. Fleetfoot's comment, though lighthearted, ignited a spark of uncertainty. She leaned in a little closer, approaching Fleetfoot with a warmer, friendlier expression, trying to deflect any suspicion from her growing unease.

• “Why do you say that?” -Blooming asked, with a sly gesture that tried to hide the uneasiness in her chest and in a tone that mimicked innocent curiosity.

Fleetfoot tilted her head slightly, a mischievous smile forming on her lips as she held Blooming Rose's gaze. There was something in her eyes, a glint of complicity that, though playful, held a deeper insinuation, one that Blooming managed to catch.

Fleetfoot shrugged, taking a sip of her coffee. - “Well, let's just say those two have a... peculiar dynamic”- Fleetfoot said, her tone nonchalant, but ambiguous enough to leave room for interpretation.

-"Peculiar?” -repeated Blooming, in a tone that sought to sound casual, as if she hadn't read between the lines- “You mean how they are as teammates, don't you?” - Blooming tried to keep her expression relaxed, but uneasiness was growing inside her.

Fleetfoot, for her part, smiled broadly, enjoying the little game she seemed to have wrapped the unicorn up in. -“ It could be said” - Fleetfoot replied, taking a leisurely sip of her coffee, as if each word was part of an inside joke that only she understood. - “Sometimes they seem like rivals, other times...” - she let the phrase hang in the air, her eyes rolling suggestively.

Shinning Marigold, who until now had remained in the background, watching and analyzing every gesture, every word, decided to intervene. She knew her sister was concerned about the course of the conversation. - “It seems that life in the Wonderbolts is never boring” - she commented, her tone light but her eyes sharp, carefully gauging Fleetfoot's sincere answers.

• “Oh, you have no idea!” - laughed Fleetfoot, delighted with the attention her words had generated. To her, this was all part of the daily rhythm of being a Wonderbolt.

The two sisters ccorresponded to her enthusiasm with a smile. As the conversation continued in that seemingly light-hearted tone, Blooming took the opportunity to cast a discreet glance at her sister. There was no need for them to talk; they both understood what was at stake: if there was something more between Soarin and Dash they needed to act fast. They needed to further gain the trust of the team, or certain members at least, with that, they could have the necessary information all along.

• “Well...” - Blooming said with a perfectly executed smile, as she stood up with her characteristic grace - “I think I'll go check on Moonflower” - Fleetfoot and Spitfire exchanged glances, but said nothing - “Maybe she needs something.” - she mentioned with a quiet smile, though throwing a meaningful glance at Shining, who quickly picked up on the signal and nodded. They both knew what they had to do.

Aster, who until that moment had been immersed in conversation with the other Wonderbolts, noticed his sister's movement and, with concern in his eyes, began to get up. - “I can accompany you if you like” - he offered, hinting at his concern for Moonflower's well-being. Aster had always been more transparent in his emotions, and at that moment, his genuine concern for Moonflower clearly shone through.

Blooming, without losing her composure, smiled kindly towards her brother, but her mind was working quickly to find an excuse that might dissuade Aster's persistence - “I appreciate your offer, brother, but I think it will be best if you stay here to keep the conversation going, I won't be long.”

Before Aster could protest, Shining Marigold interjected, supporting her sister's decision - “Blooming is right Aster, I'm sure Moonflower would appreciate a little space, besides, I was about to discuss some matters about the tour to the Bolts that require your presence” - Her tone was casual, but the look she gave Aster was loaded with meaning.

Once in the hallway, her composure and dignified stride remained unwavering until she was out of sight, and with a slight nod of her head, Blooming excused herself from the table and exited the dining room.

Once in the hallway, her composure faded like mist in the midday sun and she began to trot swiftly toward the rooms. Her hooves began to move nimbly over the marble floor as she quickened her pace down the ornate corridors towards Dash's room, inwardly praying she would make it in time.

With a final sigh of exhaustion at the unbecoming pace of her daily life, Blooming Rose rounded the corner into the hallway where the rooms were located.

The silence was still present, she had to find an answer urgently, at that, a horrible idea crossed her mind.

-“And what were you doing with Moonflower last night, Soarin?” - she asked, her voice taking on a dangerously insinuating tone. She was trying to sound accusatory, but deep down, her heart was twisting with guilt for manipulating the situation like that. She knew she was playing with fire, but she had no choice, she had to turn the tables if she wanted to get out of this.

Soarin looked at her, surprised by the sudden accusation. - “Don't change the subject, Dash” - he replied, trying to keep his composure - “This isn't about me.”

• “Change the subject? It was you who started the accusations” - Rainbow countered, feeling every word tremble over a well of lies - ”So tell me, why were you with her last night huh?”

• “What do you think you're implying? Please” - Soarin replied, clearly offended. He brought a hoof to his face, disbelief evident in his expression. - “You shouldn't be asking me for explanations like this, like it's a bad thing.”

• “If it's not a bad thing, then why don't you tell me?” - Rainbow insisted, her voice trembling slightly. Apparently her role reversal plan was working, though deep down her heart was punishing her with pangs of guilt at taking such a manipulative attitude with him, but the fear of being found out was pushing her to continue.

Soarin took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. - “Well” - he finally said, his voice laden with resigation - “Yes, Spitfire, Fleetfoot and I were with her last night. We had a conversation after she slipped off a cloud, and then we walked her back to her room. Are you happy? Because otherwise you can go ask them if you want” - he mentioned rolling her eyes.

Rainbow Dash felt a pang of guilt and turned her head so she didn't have to see her embarrassed face - “So much preamble for that” - she said, getting up from the bed and snatching Soarin's robe with a jerk. - “I found this robe lying outside my room in the wee hours of the morning, when I went out for some air because I couldn't sleep, and I picked it up. That's it. Are you happy?”

Soarin looked at her skeptically. - “Was it so hard for you to say that from the beginning instead of excusing yourself?” - He asked with a tone that didn't hide his suspicion. - “Although what you're saying doesn't make much sense. Why would Moonflower throw her away like that if we saw her enter her room with her robe on?”

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, her irritation mixed with the desperation of the interrogation, She knew how curious Soarin is and that he wouldn't leave her alone until he got all the explanations his mind demanded.

• “I don't know Soarin, okay?” - Rainbow replied, her frustration growing with every word. - “I'm only telling you what I know, and yes, I admit it's weird, but there's not much more I can tell you. So if you're so doubtful why don't you go and ask Moonflower better?” - she began, her tone more serious and firm

Soarin snorted, annoyance clear in his voice. - “I'm getting fed up with your nonsensical insinuations, Rainbow Dash” - he said, his patience reaching its limit - “I only came to go to breakfast, not to argue. I'm not up for this now.” - She turned her back on him in response, biting her lips as the weight of conscience racked her insides. She felt the lump in her throat tighten even more.

With a heavy sigh, Soarin straightened up and began walking back to the exit. Rainbow let out a surrendered sigh as she listened to the pegasus' footsteps walk away from her. A mixture of relief and uneasiness growing inside her. She knew she had diverted the conversation, she had managed to escape the truth... but at what cost?

Soarin paused in the doorway, hesitating. The tension in his shoulders was evident, as if a part of him wanted to return to her or look over his shoulder. However, his pride prevented him from doing so.

Rainbow spun again, stood still, watching him from a distance. Her gaze was riveted on his figure, on the way the weight of disappointment seemed to tilt her posture. She swallowed thickly. “When will I ever have a morning, a day, a quiet night again?” she thought wearily. She swayed indecisively, not wanting the day to start like this for either of them, at least he didn't deserve it. The sound of Soarin's hooves against the marble floor echoed in her ears like a relentless metronome, marking each second that separated them further. Her inner self screamed “Stop him!” as if stopping him meant admitting something she wasn't ready to face. And though she couldn't decipher whether it was her brain or her heart suggesting it. she finally gave in. Before he could turn the doorknob, she ran to him.

• “Soarin, wait” - she called, her voice losing the sharp tone of a few minutes ago, strange even to herself. The blue pegasus stood still, his hoof hovering in the air inches from the doorknob, until he felt the pressure of a soft but firm hoof on his shoulder, stopping him-"Please don't leave like that.”

He spun slowly on his heels, facing Rainbow Dash. There was something in her expression, something that disarmed him, whose face reflected deep regret. Soarin watched her silently, the accusatory look he had had moments before softening as he met her, like ice melting in the morning sun.

Rainbow felt the weight of guilt settle in her stomach like a rock - “Forgive me” - Rainbow continued, her ears folding back in remorse - “I shouldn't... I shouldn't have acted like that. It's just that...” -she interrupted herself, struggling to find the right words that only seemed to be tripping over each other- “Forget it, there's no justification” -she finally admitted, defeat tingeing every syllable.

Soarin watched her silently, his gaze scanning every inch of Rainbow's face, as if searching for something hidden behind her eyes. The tension in her shoulders began to loosen, but the confusion and pain were still there, visible in the wrinkles on her forehead and the downward curve of her mouth. Something inside him couldn't allow himself to be indifferent to her.

• “Dash, I don't know what's going on with you lately” - Soarin began, his tone soft but charged with a sadness he had been holding back. - “I feel like there's something you're not telling me, and I don't understand why. I want to believe you, but you're making it hard for me.”

She noticed the disappointment in his voice and pain invaded her chest. It wasn't just about the current situation, but about everything that had been her life since the curse and Moonflower's disguise came into play. She felt more and more part of herself fading away amidst the tricks and illusions.

She approached with slow steps, getting so close to him that she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

Rainbow looked up, meeting Soarin's eyes. For a brief moment, she looked like she was about to confess everything, to let go of the weight she carried, but then she shook her head in a gesture of resignation. - “I mentioned it to you yesterday” - she said, placing her hoof on Soarin's chest. - “Everything is so complicated now. A tour, a curse, Moonflower...” - the fatigue in her voice was noticeable and Soarin couldn't help but feel a knot in his stomach - “I don't want to drag you into this” - she muttered.

• “I understand that this is all overwhelming and you're not dragging me into anything” - Soarin replied, searching her eyes intently and feeling the fragility of the moment. He placed his hoof gently on the mare's right cheek. - “Look, we're all dealing with this recent information, Dash” - he replied, his tone firm but infused with sincere concern. - “But don't forget that you're part of the team now, and you're distancing yourself a lot lately from us... and from me.”

Soarin's words broke a fragile thread in her, a fragile thread she was willing to weave. - “listen, I...I'll do whatever it takes to make it better” - her voice rang with renewed determination. Soarin sketched a small smile in response. There was much still unsaid, but for now, this moment of calm was enough - “I'm sorry I got defensive about the robe, that just...”

Soarin lifted a hoof, interrupting her gently. - “It's okay. If you say you found it outside, I believe you. Maybe... maybe we should return her to Moonflower later” - he suggested in a sympathetic tone.

Rainbow nodded, relieved that she didn't have to delve any deeper into the subject. - “Sounds good to me,” - she agreed, taking a step closer until their snouts were inches apart. - “Thank you, Soarin.”

On impulse, he moved closer and embraced her, his wings wrapping her gently in a warm shelter. She didn't hesitate to reciprocate, feeling the tension fade between them. They remained like that for what seemed like minutes, immersed in a bubble of silence that offered them a moment of peace.

When they finally parted, they both felt an unexpected lightness, as if a huge weight had vanished from their loins- “What do you say we go to breakfast?” - Soarin proposed, a warm smile- “Knowing you, you must be starving.”

Rainbow let out a chuckle, a light sound that seemed to fade the tension that had permeated the air moments before- “You know me too well” - she replied, a spark of complicity shining in her eyes.

Without waiting any longer, they both left the room, walking together down the hallway toward the dining room. As they proceeded, the atmosphere felt lighter, as if each step they took drove away the shadows of their worries.

The door closed behind them with a soft click, and the echo echoed in the empty hallway. In that instant, the silence became oppressive, almost tangible, like a heavy blanket covering the surroundings.

Behind the newly closed door, Blooming Rose stood motionless, her breathing so controlled that it was barely noticeable. Her eyes, fixed on the spot where Rainbow and Soarin had disappeared, exuded a mixture of curiosity and concern. Every fiber of her being vibrated with the tension of keeping silent, of not revealing that she had been an unwitting witness to the moment.

Without making the slightest sound, she turned away from the door, moving as gracefully as she wished she had arrived and began to follow them slowly, on her way to the dining room. Her heart pounding as her footsteps, though silent, echoed with a purpose only she knew.

The dining room, a few feet away, still echoed with the murmur of animated conversation. Bloomming still maintained a prudent distance and admirable silence. Her mind, however, was a whirlwind of thoughts, torn between the need to share what she had heard and the fear of the possible action they should take.

She knew she should tell her sister, but would she have to talk it over with Dash, if so how would she approach it? The responsibility of her silence weighed heavy on her chest, and while she knew it was the right thing to do, she wasn't up for it now.

Author's Note