The fire crackles in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the walls of my chamber. I stand by the window, watching Evelyn's retreating figure disappear into the darkness below, her words still echoing in my mind like poison.

'She's afraid,' Selene observes, her presence a steady warmth within me. 'Afraid of what we've become.'

I don't respond. My sister's hatred is a wound I've learned to carry, but tonight it feels heavier than usual. Tomorrow, I face Orvis. Tonight, I ...