Selene was hungry, so hungry. Anger had fueled her as she ran, day after day, never fading. It had brought her close to Seraphim, so close. Just a few more miles, she told herself, keeping the anger close to her heart. Just a few more. Then, and only then, would she be among friends.

She remembered making a journey similar to this. Anger had driven her then, too, leading her to the treacherous Kyra and Larkin. This journey felt precisely the same.

The bright lights of the city lit up the horizon, but she was so weak, so tired, and dawn was coming. She could do it, lie in the street as the sun rose, but she didn’t want to die, didn’t know what was keeping her alive. So she crawled up into the thick thicket of branches and leaves and hid there.

In the darkness, her thoughts drifted toward Jason. He was gone, dead and gone. Her heart ached more from betrayal than from loss. Try as she might, she could not understand her brother. No, she reminded herself, he was no longer her brother. Nonetheless, it broke her heart to know that he would do this to her. In the darkness, she drifted towards sleep, where unpleasant dreams greeted her.

At nightfall, she entered the city of Seraphim, the Felucian capital. The wind carried with it a familiar scent as she made her way down the empty street. Pulling out her dagger, she made her way to it. The azure eyes almost glowed in the darkness.

“Nivette.”

Her comrade cocked her head to her side, letting her hair fall over her shoulder. Ever so slightly, ever so sadly, her lip curled up on the side. “Hello Selene. Eris sent me to come and get you. He says it’s time for you to return.”

Selene’s anger flared at the sound of his name. “Eris can burn. Leave Nivette.”

“I’m not allowed to return empty-handed. Forgive me.”

“I won’t go back.”

“Then you leave me no choice.”

“Don’t, I don’t want to kill you.”

“Then come.” Nivette held out a hand towards her, her eyes pleading. Still, Selene shook her head.

“No.”

Sighing, Nivette’s outstretched hand fell limp. “So be it.” Nivette ran towards her, and Selene prepared herself.

So be it…