Selene's POV

The morning of the freeing arrived cold and gray.

I stood on the balcony, watching the sun creep over the horizon. The Doom Moon had faded, its crimson light replaced by the pale glow of dawn. But I could still feel the Night Mother's presence, pressing against my mind like a weight.

Today, I would free her.

Today, I would release the darkness that had been imprisoned for five hundred years.

Today, I would make a choice that would change everything.

I felt a presence behind me.

I turned. Seraphine was standing in the doorway, her face pale.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

I met her gaze. "I...