Episode 23: The Queen Beyond the Veil The Rifted Queen descended like a celestial storm, her towering form blotting out even the Blood Moon’s glow. Her gown was woven from the shadows of forgotten names. Her eyes were empty graves. Every clock in Nightmoor stopped. Every ghost fell silent. Even the wind held its breath. Kai stood at the edge of the city square, the Nightmare’s Bane pulsing in his chest. Around him, the Night-Shift Misfits braced themselves—vampires clutching holy iron, ghosts buzzing like static, Nox chanting defensive wards, and the werewolves flanking both sides, teeth bared and eyes bright. And beside him—Lira. His anchor. His storm. “Do not falter,” she said. “She feeds on hesitation.” The Queen’s voice slithered through the air, crawling into Kai’s ears like o

