The night was too quiet.

Even the wind outside the fortress seemed to hold its breath.

Selene sat by the window, her eyes fixed on the full moon that hung over the dark forest. Its light spilled across the room like liquid silver, brushing over her hands, her hair, her trembling shoulders. She hadn’t slept since the announcement. Tomorrow, she would stand before the Moon Goddess herself. Tomorrow, everything would change.

The air felt heavy, humming with something ancient.

She pressed a ...