The Underworld Trials of Luna

My breath pants from my lips as the wind and darkness rips around us. We only travel for a few terrifying moments before my feet hit hard against stone and light returns to the world, however dim. I groan in horror at what I see – at the black sky that stretches for miles in all directions over t

I groan when I wake up in the morning, immediately clutching my pounding head and rolling over in the blankets that are spread beneath me on the bathroom floor. I pant a little, working my sticky tongue in my mouth, desperate for some water – but god, every time I move it’s agony – I moan, disgu

And then, to my distinct pleasure, he sighs and turns around. “Good boy,” I murmur, making him laugh and shake his head again as I drop my wedding dress to the ground. The moment I get into the bath, I take a deep breath and duck underneath the steamy water, sinking all the way down to the depth

About two hours later – or at least, that’s how long I think it is, I’m not sure I fully understand how time works here yet – I bunch the folds of fabric in my hand to lift my skirts as I climb the stairs towards the palace entrance. Anton trots at my side in his ghostly wolf form, glancing up at me every other second, as anxious as I am.“Well, at least I’ve got a pretty dress,” I mutter, looking down at the sweep of dark fabric that trails behind me. The dress – whoever sent it clearly made it just for me. It closely hugs what curves I have before plunging low on my chest and sweeping out into full flowing skirts that ripple on the marble steps behind me.Anton gives a little huff of agreement and cheerfully snaps at the fabric with his ghostly teeth, making me laugh. He approves of the garment – he made that quite clear with his abundant praise in the room, telling me how much it suits me and sets me off at an advantage.Still, I have to admit that I feel a little underprepared for

I frown up at him, confused. “How do you know all of that?” “Look, it’s not important now,” he says, stepping close and speaking fast. “What is important is that you remember who the hell you are, and that you were chosen for this competition – one of twenty women from across time and space – beca