Chapter 53. The Phoenix Choice

Neriah had always imagined her day of reckoning would come beneath a crimson sky. Wolves at her back, flames at her feet, the world sharpening to a single, burning point of pain and memory. But the truth was quieter than that—a hush in the temple, dawn barely brushing gold across the mountain pines. No crowds baying for blood. Only silence, heavy and ancient as stone.

She stood alone in the antechamber, hands clasped behind her back to still their trembling. The room was cold, the walls hung with faded banners showing the lost Lunas, their eyes painted wide and knowing. Shadows pooled in the corners. Somewhere above, the wind rattled the roof tiles. She thought of every trial—every ring of fire, every circle of elders, every accusation thrown like a stone. She was tired of holding her breath. She wanted to scream, or run, or simply disappear. But she could do none of those things—not anymore.

The heavy doors creaked open. The Moon Priestess entered, her blue-black robe s