The full moon hung low over the Shadow Lands, its silvery light barely penetrating the ever-present gloom. In her chambers within the obsidian castle, Princess Elara stood before a full-length mirror, studying her reflection with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
Gone were the flowing gowns and delicate jewelry of Solaria. In their place, Elara wore the attire of a Shadow Lands noblewoman – a sleek black dress that seemed to absorb what little light there was, its high collar accentuating the column of her throat. Intricate silver embroidery traced patterns along the bodice and sleeves, reminiscent of spiderwebs glistening with dew. Her golden hair was swept up in an elaborate style, held in place by jeweled pins that glinted like stars in the darkness.
