"Come, people! We must prepare everything!"
"Are they here already?"
"Who is?"
The leader's eyes glittered as he looked at Lorelei, returning from her errands with hands full of herbs. A shiver ran down her spine.
"The stars!" he announced, almost breathless with excitement.
"Stars?" Lorelei tilted her head.
He let out a frustrated sigh and said, "We must prepare for tonight!"
"What's for tonight?"
"You haven't heard? You just came back with that foolish boy and don't know the real news. Witches from the south sent word; stars are streaking across the skies. Tonight, we welcome them properly."
Lorelei's gaze swept the hall. Candles flickered in every corner, casting restless shadows that danced across walls and ceiling. Members hurried about, murmuring incantations under their breaths, arranging herbs and trinkets with precise care. Her hands trembled slightly. She had heard whispers about the stars, but never imagined she would witness preparations for their arrival.