The full moon rose heavy and bright.
Alisha stood before the council, no longer trembling.
"I will not surrender," she said clearly. "And I will not hide."
The room fell silent.
Rowan bowed his head.
Caelan stepped to her side.
The Emperor rose slowly. "Then the Eclipse Path opens."
Alisha felt it—the pull between light and shadow.
Not fear.
Choice.
Outside, the moon darkened slightly.
The Shadow King felt it.
And laughed.