MAY’S POV

In the void, I watched impassively as the last fragment of Lilith’s luck coalesced—piece by piece.

I knew then that the moment had come.

The day to capture the rogue system that had overturned this world three times over.

And sure enough, it soon stirred.

Deprived of enough luck to sustain its recovery, it awakened prematurely—lashing out at Claire in fury before tearing itself away from her, stealing the last remnants of her luck in the process.

Moments later, above the prison, a sphere of light shot into the sky.

“Trying to escape?” I murmured, my voice icy. “As if I’d allow that.”

Without another word, I cast...