The nights after Selene’s return were calm at first. Then, a few weeks later, things began to change.
Selene sat by the window, her hair damp with sweat. Liam entered quickly, carrying a cloth.
“Again?” he asked, worry in his voice.
Selene smiled faintly. “It comes and goes. Only at night. Do not look at me as if I am dying.”
Liam sat by her, pressing the cloth to her forehead. “It is not only fever. You do not sleep well. You turn, you shiver, sometimes you cry out. I fear… I fear this sickness comes from what happened at Oak Kingdom. That monster that dragged you into the dark...”
Selene pressed her hand over his. “Do not fear. I survived. I am here.”
But Liam shook his head. “Not enough. I will summon Virelle.”
That same night, Liam summoned Virelle. She entered their chamber, wa
