Karl freed Stanton, who wanted to run over to Serena. But he knew what was coming next.

“Um, Stanton,” Karl said. “We would like you to come back. So would the Atrox.”

Serena looked at Stanton. “But you can’t.”

“I know all of it’s secrets. If I don’t, it will kill those I love to get to me. If I do, they’re safe. I have to.”

She began to cry again. But I love you, she thought.

And I love you. That’s why I have to do this.

We can leave. We can run.

No. Serena, you belong here. You have to accept this.

She nodded, knowing he was right. “Goodbye, all of you. And thank you for helping me,” Stanton said out loud. The other Followers were fading away. He looked at Serena one last time as he faded with them.

Serena and Catty cried as they all walked back to the car. They were hugging each other for support and comfort, not knowing what lied ahead for their loved ones.

---

The goddess Jennifer had lied to her friends. She didn’t send her shadow half to be with Selene. She had absorbed her, and now the shadow was trapped in her, never to come out again. In a way, it wasn’t a lie. The shadow was with Selene, just against her will. But that’s how it had to end. Now all that needed fighting was their final battle. And it was coming. Fast.