Chapter 72
Chapter 72 – The Abyss Crown
"To claim the throne of ruin, she must wear the darkness that made her."
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The crown pulsed like a living thing in her hands.
It was forged from night itself—woven of obsidian and starfire, dripping shadows like ink, and too heavy for any mortal head. But Selene was no longer mortal. Not after the Binding. Not after what she did to save Valerian's life under the Red Moon.
The Abyss Crown had slept for a thousand years beneath the ruined temple of Elowyn. And now it waited for her.
"Once it touches your head," Valerian said behind her, "you'll be seen by all realms. Every kingdom, every bloodline, every monster who remembers what it means to bow to the dark. Are you sure?"
Selene didn't answer.
Her heart thudded.
She had already shed her fear.
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The temple was quiet.
Too quiet.
Every step echoed.
Every statue watched.
Runes on the wall began to glow as she passed, lighting the path to the altar.
And then—a voice. Not spoken. Not heard. Felt.
> "Daughter of flame. Queen of time.
Your soul is cursed with destiny.
Will you kneel to fate, or break it beneath your heels?"
She stepped forward.
The Abyss Crown rose from the altar on its own, suspended by a whirl of darkness.
Her fingers trembled as she reached.
Valerian held his breath.
Then—Selene took the crown and placed it on her head.
And the world responded.
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A scream erupted across the continent.
Not from her. From the old gods.
Mountains cracked.
Seas trembled.
Every vampire in the ancient bloodlines fell to their knees, screaming in pain and devotion.
Selene didn't flinch.
She stood taller.
Taller than fate. Taller than prophecy. Taller than her past.
And her voice rang out like thunder:
> "I am no longer the cursed child. I am the Queen of the Abyss.
And this world will never be ruled by fear again."
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Valerian stepped forward, eyes wide. His own power surged with hers, darker, deeper, bonded completely now.
Their bond wasn't just romantic. It was cosmic.
A prophecy rewritten.
A curse remade.
Selene turned toward him, crown glowing, and whispered:
> "They tried to bury me in fate. But I am the one who writes it now."
And when she kissed him, the stars realigned.
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End of Chapter 72 – Next: Chapter 73, The Bond of Fire and Blood
Things are heating up, guys —Selene's power has finally been awakened, but enemies will rise now that the crown is claimed. 💛