The bell above Scoops Ahoy jingles as the Party rushes inside, dripping from the rain. The mall lights flicker again… like they've been doing ever since Moon arrived in Hawkins.
Steve looks up from behind the counter."Guys. Seriously? You're tracking water everywhere."
But nobody answers.
Because Will has frozen in place.
Standing near the milkshake machine, quietly looking at the glowing neon menu, is her—the girl he saw once on the road, soaked in moonlight and stormlight.
Moon.
Her silver-white hair is tied loosely. Her clothes are mismatched, like she doesn't understand what fits. Her eyes look like storm clouds holding secrets.
Will's voice is small."That's… that's her."
Mike looks between them. "You sure?"
Will nods without looking away. "Yes. Positive."
Lucas crosses his arms
He stares at Moon like she's a puzzle he doesn't want to solve.
"I don't trust her," he mutters. "Something's off. She feels— I don't know—wrong."
Max elbows him."Dude. Calm down."
Lucas shakes his head. "No. I'm serious. I can tell."
El steps forward… and instantly sways
A soft buzzing sound fills her head.
Her knees weaken.Her breathing changes.She feels… drained.
Moon turns her head slowly toward El, her expression unreadable, almost confused like she's sensing something too.
El whispers, barely audible:"She… makes me feel weaker."
Mike grabs her shoulder."El? Hey—El, what's wrong?"
El keeps staring at Moon with worry and something like fear.
Meanwhile — Hopper & Joyce at the Wheeler House
The front door hangs open, wood splintered like something was thrown through it.
Joyce covers her mouth with her hand."Hopper… oh my god."
Furniture is smashed. Lamps shattered. Blood smeared faintly on the wall. The air feels too cold, too still—like the house is holding its breath.
Hopper steps carefully inside, gun raised."Joyce. Stay behind me."
They follow the signs of destruction through the living room toward Holly's bedroom.
Joyce whispers, voice shaking:"Holly? Holly?!"
But Holly is gone.
Only her stuffed unicorn is left on the floor—burned around the edges like it touched something from another world.
Hopper picks it up, jaw tightening."She didn't run away."
Joyce turns toward him, tears filling her eyes."Then where is she?"
Something cracks in the ceiling above them. A faint pulse of red lightning flickers.
Hopper whispers:"She's with him."
Inside the Mind — Holly & Henry
Holly stands in a shadowy hallway that isn't really a hallway—just darkness shaped like one. Her small hands tremble.
Henry stands behind her, smiling too softly.
"Don't be afraid," he says."You're going to help me bring her back."
Holly looks up, scared."Bring who back?"
Henry kneels to her level.
"The girl your brother saw… the one made of moonlight. The one who escaped me."
He leans closer.
"Moon."