in her that neither wanted nor allowed her to find peace. Every night, she would stand beneath the moonlight, calling u

forces beyond her understanding, enemies lurking in the shadows. She hadn't asked for any of it. She had never wan

ary existence-but it felt impossible. Each day, the world around her seemed to grow more oppressive. She felt as

lm her restless mind. Each time, she had returned with more questions, more uncertain

night air settle around her as she let the power surge through her. But tonight, someth

ce-low, familiar, and dripping with moc

ing, was Damian. His silhouette was sharp against the moonlight, the same coldness in his eyes that she had always feared. But ton

a mixture of disbelief and ang

ng, Selena. You've been hiding out here for days, playing at being a goddess or whatever you'

he effect it had. Instead, she squared her shoulders and lifted her chi

steady, the weight of her words like a challenge throw

ross his face. "You think you're free because you've tapped

ght as if he could sense the surge of magic within her. Selena felt her chest tighten, but

d with the magic she had only just begun to

a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. But it was quickly replaced with something far mor

ming, and the air around them seemed to hum with tension. "You don't know what you've gotten yo

iking him. He wasn't the same man she had once trusted. This version of Damian-this man who had

ush. "I never needed anyone. But I will need the truth, D

e felt a shiver run down her spine. She had seen that look before-when he was hidi

The air between them crackled with electricity, a silent battle of wills, and yet ther

understand soon enough. You just have to accept what's coming." "What's

ing. He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. "What if I told you

lmost suffocating. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked into

figure dissolving into the shadows of the forest. The night air seemed

alled, his voice fading with the wind. "But so

ng in the air, each syllable a weight she couldn't shake. There were so many questions-too many to coun

't know whether to be relieved that he had left or terrified by the uncertainty he had left in