The hall was quiet as the names of the chosen women were being read. Selene stood among them, her hands folded, her face calm even though her heart pounded inside her chest. She had made it this far. She was about to advance to the third trial.

Then the doors burst open.

Guards stormed in, their boots heavy against the floor. Two of them carried something between them. When they reached the center of the hall, they dropped it to the ground.

It was the body of a servant. A young omega girl. ...