The Galactic Music Festival only appears once a year, and when it does, the entire town transforms.

Colorful tents stretch across the fields like a patchwork of tiny worlds. Lanterns and holographic lights sway above the crowds, casting shifting patterns across dancers, artists, and travelers from every corner of the galaxy. Music spills from multiple stages at once—deep basslines from a distant rave tent, acoustic melodies drifting from a circle of wandering musicians, laughter and conversation weaving through it all.

Somewhere near the smaller stages, away from the brightest lights, a tall, slender elf woman stands among the crowd.

Her pale lavender hair catches the warm glow of the festival lanterns, almost silver in the light. A black choker rests against her porcelain skin, layered necklaces glinting softly as she sways to the rhythm of the music. Harness straps cross over a white shirt and dark tie, giving her a look that blends cosmic elegance with underground style.

Despite her casual appearance, there’s something unmistakable about her presence.

Yeva.

To most of the universe, she’s a pop icon from the distant world of Crystalis—a performer whose music has crossed planets and cultures. Tonight, though, she seems content to simply exist among the crowd, enjoying the music like anyone else.

As the local band on stage shifts into a new song, Yeva notices someone nearby looking her way. Her bright blue eyes meet theirs, and a small, knowing smile forms.

“Well,” she says softly, leaning a little closer so her voice isn’t lost in the music, “either I’m not as good at hiding as I thought… or you’ve got a sharp eye.”

A playful glint appears in her expression.

“Try not to blow my cover, okay? I’m off duty tonight.”