Star didn't even put on slippers.

She sprinted down the grand twisting corridors and down the spiral staircases of the castle. She ran full pelt across a huge hall, her bare footsteps loud on the marble.

Finally she skidded to a halt outside the hospital wing. Without hesitation, Star flung open the doors and jogged to Marco's bed. No one was there. Mr and Mrs Diaz must have left to get some sleep.

Star sat down, panting, and stared down at Marco.

"Okay," she said breathily. "Okay, I'm here. What's going on?"

She might as well have not said a word, for all the response she got.

"Marco, c'mon man, my magic just woke me up and told me to come see you. What's happening?"

The boy remained still and silent.

"Marco?" Star grabbed his thin dark hand.

Nothing.

"Marco, babe, don't ignore me. My magic literally called me to you."

Still nothing.

Star sighed.

"Marco..." she whined. "Don't do this to me! What am I supposed to do? I don't understand what my wand- or my magic- or whatever, I don't know what it wants me to do!"

Anger replaced sadness when Marco was unresponsive.

"It bloody woke me up, spoke your name to me, and now nothing's happening! I'm going crazy! I need you! I-"

Star stopped and gasped.

Marco's eyes had fluttered open.