Daughter of the Night by Richard S. Shaver, Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy

The story opens with a dramatic and violent scene as Queen Dionaea faces her imminent death, marked by the swift strike of a sword. In her final moments, her thoughts are a chaotic mix of shock and desperation as she struggles to recall protective spells associated with the Goddess Diana. The vivid imagery captures her disorientation and the surreal nature of her situation, emphasizing themes of mortality and the fragility of life. This gripping moment sets the stage for a tale that intertwines magic, fate, and the consequences of power.