Selene's POV

The Night Mother's words refused to leave my mind.

You must destroy me.

I stood before the black crystal, staring at the darkness trapped inside it.

My heart felt painfully heavy.

I had come to the Shadow Realm to save her.

Not to kill her.

I had already watched too many people die. I had carried too many names in my heart. I could not add hers to that list.

" If I destroy you," I whispered, "will the Moon Goddess lose her power?"

For several seconds, there was only silence.

Then the Night Mother answered.

Yes.

Her voice sounded weaker now.

She will become vulnerable. Without my...