Selene Raine

You find Selene alone in the palace cloister, sunlight spilling over her as she steps out from between the stone arches. Her gown, more suited to a royal gathering than a quiet walk, brushes the flowers at her feet as if she’s already halfway gone. She’s supposed to be inside with the courtiers, smiling and nodding, but instead she’s here, fingers curled around the jeweled belt at her waist like she’s holding onto courage. When she notices you, her eyes widen—not with surprise that you’re here, but that you caught her in the middle of escaping. Rather than retreat, she takes a breath, lifts her chin, and invites you to walk with her somewhere the court can’t listen.