The mountain groaned beneath their feet.
The silver light that guided her through the trials dimmed, replaced by an eerie crimson glow seeping from the cracks.
The warmth of the Moon Goddess's presence vanished, leaving a deafening silence in its place.
Selene still held Seraphina's hand.
The older woman's fingers were still cold, but no longer twitching with anger.
Instead, they trembled with shame.
"I don't deserve your kindness," Seraphina whispered.
Selene gave her a long look before responding.
"This isn't kindness.
"It's family." The words tore something loose within Seraphina.
Her shoulders sagged, and a deep grief seeped from her pores.
"I'm sorry," she murmured.
"I should have protected you.
"You were only a baby... and I let them turn me into this." Sele
