In a realm beyond light, the Shadow King stirred.
Once, he had been Lunaris.
Once, he had ruled beneath the same moon.
He rose from fractured light, shadows coiling around his form like a crown.
"She awakens faster than expected," he murmured.
A shadow knelt. "Should we strike?"
He smiled—not cruelly, but thoughtfully.
"No. Let her grow."
He looked toward the moon.
"She must be strong enough to choose."