The fortress smelled of smoke and blood. Though the battle had ended, its memory clung to every stone. Warriors walked the halls with bandaged arms and weary eyes. Some whispered of the Bloodmoon Alpha, others of the light that had burst from Selene’s hands on the battlefield.

She had tried to ignore the stares. But the whispers followed her wherever she went.

“Did you see her? That glow…”

“She could destroy us as easily as she destroyed them.”

“Maybe she’s not ours at ...