The scent of blood still filled the air, thick and metallic. Making it hard for Selene to breathe.
Selene stood in the doorway, watching as the maids worked in silence, their faces pale as they scrubbed the blood-soaked floor and gathered what little remained of Hannah.
Her chest tightened.
She had seen death before. Had witnessed cruelty in its many forms. But this—this was different.
This was a child. An innocent little child.
Her gaze drifted to the ruined bed. The wooden posts were clawed and shredded, deep gashes marring the once-perfect surface. The sheets were in tatters, darkened with dried blood.
Her fingers curled into fists at her sides.
What kind of monster had done this?
Slowly, she stepped closer, her gaze drawn to the deep gouges in the wood.
They were massive. Too big, too deep for any blade.
A sick feeling settled in her stomach.
Slowly, she reached out, her fingertips brushing over the marks. The wood was uneven beneath her touch, the ridges sharp where something had ripped into it.
Not something. Someone.
Or rather… something that was not human.
A shiver crawled up her spine.
Then, she remembered—Hannah's heart was missing.
Selene swallowed hard. This wasn't a mindless killing. Whoever, whatever had killed her hadn't just wanted her dead. They had taken something.
A horrible thought formed in the back of her mind, but before she could grasp it—
"Your Majesty?"
Selene almost jumped.
She turned around, her heart hammering against her ribs.
Travis stood in the doorway, watching her.
Her hand flew to her chest as she forced herself to breathe. "Gods, Travis!" she snapped. "Do you make a habit of sneaking up on people?"
He looked almost guilty. "Apologies, my Queen. I didn't mean to frighten you."
Selene exhaled sharply, forcing her expression into something cold and indifferent. "You'll find that not many things frighten me."
Travis gave her a knowing look but wisely said nothing.
"What do you want?" she demanded, turning away from the ruined bed.
"The council has gathered for your first meeting," Travis informed her. "They wish to discuss how things will proceed in the King's absence."
Selene's eyes narrowed.
"Things will proceed simply," she said. "I rule. Anyone who challenges that will be executed."
Travis's expression barely flickered. "Ah… I see."
"If you or the council don't like that, you can leave," Selene continued coolly. "Or die. I don't particularly care which."
Travis sighed. "With all due respect, my Queen, some of these men have ruled longer than you have been alive. The oldest, Lord Oredon, served under King Ronan's grandfather. They will not take kindly to disrespect."
Selene scoffed. "They want Respect?" She gestured around the ruined room. "This is what listening to them causes."
Travis glanced at the bloodstained floor, his lips pressing into a thin line. "It was an oversight. One that will not happen again."
"It should have never happened at all," Selene shot back.
Travis hesitated before speaking again. "My Queen, it would be unwise to turn them against you so soon."
Selene arched a brow. "Is that a threat?"
"Of course not," he said quickly. "I only advise caution. You do not want to end up on their bad side."
Selene studied him for a long moment before turning toward the door. "Instead of wasting your breath on council matters, see to it that Hannah is given a proper burial. We owe her that much."
Travis bowed low. "As you command."
She didn't wait for him to rise before walking away.
-----
Selene pushed open the doors to her chambers, her mind still trapped in the horrors of Hannah's room.
Lila was already inside, standing near the window with a pleased smile on her face.
"My Queen," she greeted with a bow, her tone light.
Selene barely spared her a glance before moving toward the table, pouring herself a drink. "Judging by that smile on your face, I assume you've already informed the faction of everything happening inside the castle."
"Indeed," Lila said, practically beaming. "They're pleased to hear that you rule in Ronan's absence."
Selene took a sip, nodding. "Good."
"And…" Lila's smile widened. "They've already taken action."
Selene frowned. "Taken action?"
"Assassins have been dispatched. They will intercept Ronan and his men. By nightfall, he'll be dead, and you will be Queen in truth—well, until the faction takes over, of course."
Selene's hand tightened around her glass.
"What?"
Lila let out a small laugh. "I know. Even I couldn't believe our mission would end so soon and so smoothly."
Selene went silent.
She had wanted Ronan dead—of course, she had. She had plotted and schemed for years. But now, after witnessing what was done to Hannah, something deep inside her knew he couldn't die yet. Not until he avenged her. And killed the people responsible.
Because Ronan wasn't just her enemy. He was their enemy.
If he died before reaching his enemies, before putting down this rebellion himself, then the entire kingdom would be left standing defenseless against a foe who had no qualms about killing a child and ripping her heart out.
"You idiot," she hissed.
Lila blinked, taken aback. "What?"
Selene slammed her glass onto the table. "You moved without consulting me? Without thinking?"
Lila's smile disappeared. "I thought you'd be pleased. You've wanted him dead for years."
Selene turned to her fully, eyes sharp as blades. "Do you think I care whether Ronan lives or dies? This isn't about him."
Lila frowned, crossing her arms. "Then what is it about?"
Selene exhaled sharply. "A child is dead, Lila. Ripped apart. The people who did this are not the same wicked men we are used to."
Lila scoffed. "Are you going soft?"
Selene's expression darkened. "No. I'm getting smarter. Ronan needs to live to kill those monsters for us—for the faction. He is our weapon against them. Unless the faction wants another threat to deal with."
A beat of silence passed between them. Then, slowly, Lila's smirk returned.
"Then I'll write back to the faction informing them of your thoughts."
Selene lifted her chin. "Tell them to call off the assassins. Ronan will die—but only when I say so."
Lila studied her for a long moment before nodding. "As you command, my Queen."