The studio gleams withenchanted backdrops. Gold-lit DNA helixes coil upward in programmed spirals while creatures drift in and out of projection, conjured by hovering crystal orbs that pulse with stored magic.
Madeline Shaw commands the space with effortless gravitas, her copper curls bouncing with each confident stride. Everything about her radiates warmth and authority, from her perfectly tailored suit, to the way her violet eyes seem to sparkle with perpetual delight.
“Luna, darling!” She greets me with an embrace that’s warm enough to register as genuine. “That dress is absolutely divine. Celestial silk, isn’t it?”
I laugh, smoothing the silvery fabric. “You’re too kind, Madeline. Though I must admit, I did want something special for today.”
“And special it is!” Her hand slides to my elbow, a graceful escort to the plush interview chairs. “Shall we?”
The hover orbs reposition soundlessly, angling for optimal exposure. I settle into the posture Alexander and I perfected—spine straight but not rigid, hands folded loosely in my lap, chin tilted to best catch the light.
“Rollingin three, two . . .”
Madeline’s smile brightens to full wattage. “Good morning, Eclipsera! Today we have a very special guest—Luna Ellis, daughter of the renowned magical scientists Cedric and Elyra Ellis—here to discuss a revolutionary breakthrough. Luna, welcome.”
“Thank you, Madeline. It’s a privilege.” My voice carries the perfect blend of professional confidence and youthful enthusiasm.
“Before we plunge into the marvels of magical science, let’s let our viewers meet the woman behind the research. You’ve maintained quite the mystique until recently.”
I dip my head with studied humility. “I’ve always believed the work should speak first. Visibility can be extraneous, when the pursuit itself is so vital.”
“Such wisdom for someone so young,” she coos. “Though I imagine you must step away from the lab on occasion. What anchors Luna Ellis outside the world of breakthroughs?”
I laugh lightly, polished and poised. “I’m dreadfully uneventful, I’m afraid. I enjoy early walks through the Celestial Gardens, and mornings in the research archives. There’s beauty in the quiet things.”
“How wonderfully rare,” she beams. “In an age of constant spotlight-seeking, here’s someone who actually shies away from it. Though I must say, with work this groundbreaking, you may need to get used to attention.”
“As long as the focus stays on the science, on the difference we’re trying to make, that’s what matters. Alexander has been wonderful in helping me navigate this transition.”
“Ah yes,” Madeline leans in, her voice dipped in conspiratorial sweetness. “Working alongside the legendary Alexander Darkmoor. That must be quite the experience?”
“It’s been incredible. His vision for the future of magic, his dedication to progress, it’s truly inspiring. The way he approaches innovation,” I pause, letting genuine admiration shine through. “He sees possibilities where others see limitations.”
“And to be mentored directly by him,” she prompts gently. “That’s quite a vote of confidence.”
“I’m incredibly fortunate,” I say softly, playing up the wide-eyed protégé role. “Alexander has an extraordinary ability to nurture potential. He doesn’t just instruct, he elevates. Pushes you to surpass what you imagined you were capable of. At Darkmoor Industries, we’re not simply reshaping magic, we’re reshaping perception.”
“Speaking of legacy,” Madeline’s tone turns playful. “Your sister Aria worked with Alexander first, didn’t she? Quite the inheritance to step into.”
I don’t miss a beat, my smile serene. “Aria has always been extraordinary in her own way. But what’s wonderful about Alexander’s mentorship is how he recognizes each person’s unique gifts. He’s shown me that there’s no need to follow in anyone’s footsteps when you can forge your own path. I’m excited to make my own mark in magical science, just as I know my sister is pursuing what calls to her heart.”
Across the room, Alexander inclines his head, barely perceptible to anyone else, but I see it and let my smile linger.
“Now,” Madeline says, eyes gleaming, “tell us about this breakthrough everyone’s whispering about.”
“You know,” I begin with a soft laugh, playing up my youthful enthusiasm, “when I was little, I watched my best friend shatter her arm during a training accident. The healing took weeks—daily blood magic therapy, her mother sobbing through each session.” I pause just long enough for the intimacy to settle. “It never left me. Even then, I kept thinking: there has to be a better way.”
“And you’ve found one?”
“We have.” I smile. “We’re calling itEvolution Through Innovation.Imagine the same fracture healed in seconds, instead of weeks. No daily blood sacrifice, no drawn-out pain.” I gesture toward the hovering display, where a phoenix’s DNA unfurls in gilded spirals. “Through precise study of phoenix essence, we’ve developed treatment protocols that do exactly that.”
“But how does it work?” She asks, eyes following the shimmering helix. “The science behind this must be astonishing.”
“It truly is.” I let the wonder color my voice, knowing I need to make this complex enough to sound credible but simple enough to be enticing. The projection dances behind me, a mesmer that masks the horror it’s built on. “My parents made the initial discovery through their work with magical creatures. What they found was groundbreaking. Magical essence isn’t just energy—it’s encoded directly into the genetic structure of certain species. While humans require blood to channel magic, creatures like phoenixesaremagic. Every cell woven with innate power.”
Madeline’s eyes glaze slightly at the technical terms while the audience leans forward, captivated by the display.
Give them just enough science to trust, not enough to question.
