Story 744: The Widow’s Web

The cathedral quaked from the paladin’s divine blast, the walls groaning as if in agony. The wailing of banished revenants still echoed, their forms reduced to smoldering remnants. And yet, Selene Nocturna remained standing—unshaken, untouched.

Her shroud rippled and reformed, tendrils of shadowed silk knitting back together. Slowly, she tilted her head, observing the paladin with something between curiosity and amusement.

"You burn bright, little knight," she murmured, stepping forward. "But tell me… how long before you sputter out?"

The paladin tightened his grip on his warhammer, his breath steady despite the weight of corruption pressing against his soul. Light still clung to him, the sigil he had unleashed holding back the worst of Selene’s influence—for now.

"I will not waver," he growled.

Selene smiled. "Oh, but you will."