Macy POV
I am lying on my back, staring into space. Everything hurts. Selene is trying her best to kill me, and I think I am willing to admit defeat. It's over. There is nothing else I can do.
She stands over me with a large moon rock in her hands. My breaths are ragged, and I stop trying to defend myself. I drop my arms to my sides, close my eyes, and accept my fate. The sound of her laughter echoes around me. This is the moment I die. I only wish I had another opportunity to say goodbye to the twins again. I would tell them how much I love them and that I am sorry for always being so stubborn, but I will likely never get that chance. I will die on this moon, and no one will know what happened to me.
As I wait for death, a strange heat begins to consume my body. It isn't unpleasant. It is a stark contrast to the chill of the moon. As I focus on the warmth, I begin to feel stronger. New magic is flowing through my views. It reminds me of when Nyx and I were one, and she would heal me.
My eyes fly open and with all my strength I jump back to my feet. Selene's eyes are wide. Magic trembles at the tips of my fingers but I don't know how to use it. I watch her carefully. A storm is brewing behind her eyes and her fingers twitch impatiently.
"This isn't how it was supposed to happen," she stomps her foot.
It is not nearly enough warning. She raises her hands and a bolt of lightning whisks through the sky. I do the same and power explodes from my fingers.
Our magic collides and rebounds, knocking us both to the ground. All of the air leaves my lungs and I struggle to get up.
"Well," Selene laughs. "That was unexpected."
I open a single eye and look up at her. She is getting to her feet and wiping dirt off her robes. The anger that seemed to surround her is gone. She steps closer to me and offers me her hand. I have no idea what is going on.
"Come on," she grumbles. "We have much to discuss."
"Are you not still trying to kill me?" I ask stupidly.
"No," she relents.
"What?"
"Cassian is dead," she shrugs. "You have inherited all of his powers. We could fight for decades, and neither one of us would come out on top."
"Cassian is dead?" I mutter.
"Yes," Selene smiles. "It would appear Nyx had finally had enough of his deception."
"Oh," I respond. I am still utterly confused and a little worried it might be a trap, but I take Selene's hand.
Selene helps me to my feet and waves her hand. A massive palace appears on the moon, and the doors open invitingly. I follow Selene, keeping my guard up. Before we reach the entrance, Selene turns to look at me. "You are filthy."
"That tends to happen in a battle," I reply.
"Yes, well, you can't come in here like that," she scoffs. "You will dirty my floors."
"Would you prefer we speak outside?" I ask.
"No, I grow tired of the dullness of the moon's surface," she says before waving her hand again.
We are both transformed. Selene is wearing a new set of white robes, and her beautiful crescent moon tiara is on her brow. Her blonde hair is neat once again, and her cheeks are rosy. After all she has done, I have forgotten how beautiful she is.
I look down at myself. My robes are blood red, and there is an unfamiliar weight on my forehead. I reach up to touch it, and I recognize the coldness of the stones. It is the diadem of the Gray Creatures.
"I know black is your signature color," she smiles. "But I agree with Destin. You look much better in red."
"Thank you?" I don't know what else to say. All of this has taken a very weird turn.
Selene turns gracefully into the palace, and I follow her inside. The door closes softly behind us. I can see why she didn't want to speak outside. The palace is warm and inviting. It is decorated in yellows and dark blues. The phases of the moon are painted carefully throughout the halls, and ornate chandeliers hang in the rooms.
"Do you like it?" She asks.
"It is lovely," I admit.
We sit down at a small table that is already set for tea. I am surprised when she serves me like I am her equal. Only I don't drink my tea right away. I am still afraid this might be a trap.
"It isn't poison," she smiles.
"I never said it was," I retort.
"You didn't have to, it is written all over your face," she smiles. "Now, what are your demands?"
"Why is this so civil?" I blurt out.
Selene smiles gently. "Because all that had wounded me are dead. I could choose to hold a grudge against you, but I won't. Despite your outward appearance, you are good. Just like me."
I nearly choke on my tea. I dab my mouth with a napkin while Selene glares at me over her cup.
"Your demands?" She repeats.
"I want the moon returned to BOTH realms," I shrug.
"That is all?" She laughs.
I pause for a moment before I answer. Is that all I want? What has Selene taken from us? No, I can't ask for just the moon.
"The fated mates?" I whisper.
"No," Selene snarls. "That is one thing they cannot have back. Not after how many of them betrayed me."
"That is unfair," I sigh. "War is hard, and you have to admit you were wrong."
"I will not," she scoffs.
I cross my arms over my chest and mutter cuss words under my breath. Selene is watching me carefully. "I am not leaving here without a deal."
"In fifty years," she groans. "When all of those who betrayed me are dead. I will give them their fated mates."
"Fine," I sigh. "And the moon?"
"They can have it," she rolls her eyes. "It tires me to keep it hidden."
"Thank you," I breathe comfortably. Then I feel Astoria stir in my mind and I know I am not done negotiating. "Let Astoria enter the afterlife."
Selene shifts uncomfortably in her seat. I am afraid I have pushed too far, and she will take away everything she has given. I hold my breath.
"She stole him from me," Selene finally speaks.
"Roland was never faithful," I say softly. "Not to anyone. Not to you or Astoria. He was a monster. It is not her fault."
She purses her lips and straightens her back. "Fine. She is free."
Suddenly, my head feels empty. I search for any traces of Astoria but she is gone. "Thank you," I say again. "I do not want to seem ungrateful, but battling you was exhausting. I would like to go home."
I stand to leave, but Selene clears her throat. "Is there nothing you want for yourself? Perhaps your firstborn or your mate's voice?"
"I did not think you would give those to me," I reply.
An evil smile crosses her lips. "I will let you have one. You get to pick."
"You want me to pick between my firstborn and Winston's voice? I can't make that choice alone. I need to speak with my mates," I gasp.
"The offer will expire when you leave the moon," she laughs. "I am not one for waiting. So what will it be?"