by Ahmet Zappa
Tessa stepped onto the Cosmic Transporter, careful to get in place right behind the younger Starling.
Cassie and Scarlet were standing side by side, whispering. Tessa edged closer, trying to listen. It’s not like I’m really eavesdropping, she reasoned. We’re all just heading to the Celestial Café at the same time.
“Mumble, mumble Lady Stella,” she heard. “Mumble mumble Leona.” “Mumble Ophelia.” “Mumble mumble mumble.”
Nothing new there.
Then Cassie said “Star Caves” loud and clear. Scarlet gave her a “shut your stars” look. “Later!” she whispered harshly.
Hmmm, thought Tessa. Now that was interesting. They must think the secret underground tunnels, where the special Star Darlings Wish Cavern was hidden, held clues. Maybe—
Suddenly, the star above the Celestial Café dimmed, signaling that breakfast was about to end. Tessa forgot about the caves. She took off past the other Starlings, thoughts of warm astromuffins and sparkle toast filling her head.
SHANA MULDOON ZAPPA is a jewelry designer and writer who was born and raised in Los Angeles. She has an endless imagination and a passion to inspire positivity through her many artistic endeavors. She and her husband, Ahmet Zappa, collaborated on Star Darlings especially for their magical little girl and biggest inspiration, Halo Violetta Zappa.
AHMET ZAPPA is the New York Times best-selling author of Because I’m Your Dad and The Monstrous Memoirs of a Mighty McFearless. He writes and produces films and television shows and loves pancakes, unicorns, and making funny faces for Halo and Shana.
