The battle between Selene and Lilith split the forest in two. Every strike of fang and claw shook the earth, every blast of power tore through trees.
"You were always selfish," Lilith hissed, slashing forward. "Always dreaming of freedom, of love, while I remained loyal to the coven!"
"You call it loyalty," Selene spat back, blocking with a sweep of shadow, "but it's nothing more than chains you love too much to break!"
Lilith lunged, her blade-like nails grazing Selene's cheek. Blood spilled, but Selene stood taller. She thought of Kael—broken but alive behind her—and drew strength from him.
"This ends tonight," Selene vowed.
And with one final strike, she unleashed her full power. Shadows wrapped around Lilith, dragging her to the earth. Her scream echoed, then silence fell.
Selene's chest heaved, her face pale. She had defeated her sister—but the cost weighed heavy.