Chapter 25 · You recognize it

He lifted his injured arm. Black fire crawled over his sleeve and formed a jagged shape above his palm. The shadows remembered the altar. They remembered Selena's hand in his. They remembered the blade.

A dark copy of that blade appeared between them.

Selena stared at it.

"Cane."

"You recognize it."

"Put it away."

"Why? Afraid it'll cut you this time?"

"I'm afraid you'll become exactly what they said you were."

He smiled without warmth. "Too late."

The cathedral doors opened behind the order.

A procession of priests stepped out, carrying a crystal cage. Inside it, pale light twisted around a small black shape. The thing beat against the crystal like it wanted out.

The shadows around Cane hissed.

Selena's grip on his coat tightened. "That's a nightmare core."

"They brought one here?"

"They'll use it to seal you."

"Can they?"

She didn't answer.

Cane turned his head. "Selena."

"I don't know."

"You always know."

"Not anymore."

The High Priest lifted both hands. "By the authority of the Holy Order, Selena of Luminis is commanded to stand clear. The creature behind her will be bound, judged, and erased."

Selena pushed away from the pillar.

Cane caught her wrist.

"Don't.