THE REVELATION of the Blood Moon ritual and Selene's terrifying role as a Prime Witch anchor had solidified her understanding of her true predicament. Her imprisonment wasn't just Waldemar's possessive claim; it was a desperate act driven by ancient prophecy. This knowledge, while horrifying, also brought a strange clarity. She was not just a prisoner; she was a vital component, and that gave her a different kind of leverage, however small.
Nyra's clandestine visit, though brief, had injected a potent dose of defiant hope into Selene's despair. The shimmering vial, the whispers of "forbidden magic," and the tantalizing possibility of a bond that could be broken or made unbreakable—it was a dangerous game, but Selene was ready to play. First, however, she had to endure Waldemar's increasin
