Black Nova drags Orion's body deep into the castle. Despite how heavy he is, he makes no sound as he scrapes against the uneven tiles of the castle. He isn't dead... not yet. If he were to die before the ritual was performed, he would return to the sky and reform. That cannot happen until Nova is ready. When the ritual is performed correctly, Selene will return.
"I am impressed," says a voice behind her. She turns around, and her mouth drops. Selene is standing in front of her. As Black Nova stammers for words, Selene tells her, "Unfortunately, I am not yet completely reborn. However, because of your great power, and because of the magic and history of this place, I can appear to you here, without the need for sleep."
"Good. Celestia could probably find me if I closed my eyes," Nova says. "But... what exactly is this place? It seems to be some incredibly old castle."
"This..." Selene looks away, as though at some part of the castle that no longer remains standing. "This was my castle, long ago. Back before I was imprisoned in the moon. It still retains my memories."
"I could go looking for them, if you like."
"No!" Selene motions to Black Nova, who stops. "The castle is full of booby traps. It would not be wise."
"Okay then." Nova considers this reaction odd. Selene... seems to be hiding something. But she would never do that, would she? Not to her own right hoof.
Selene recognizes Nova's reaction. "All in due time, my dear," she says fondly. "I have another present for you."
"...Are you trying to buy my love?" Nova asks. "I am already your faithful servant. I don't need anything else."
Selene scowls. "What a foolish notion. I thought better of you." Nova frowns at this, but Selene goes on. "No, I have something that you will probably need." She materializes a glistening black knife and places it next to Orion. "The Kussel Dagger. It's a knife designed for sacrificial offerings. I believe it will be necessary if the death of Orion is to help me escape."
"He's not an offering!" Nova replies, a bit in shock. "I only need to create the proper equipment with my shadows in order to emulate his teleportation ability. I don't intend to kill him permanently!"
"Perhaps you should consider it, at least," Selene says. She steps close to Nova and looks her directly in the eye. "Do not disappoint me."
"Do you doubt my talent?" Nova asks.
"No. What I doubt is your resolve. I believe... I believe that resolve is about to be tested. I expect no less than your full cooperation. No matter the price."
"It shall be done exactly as you wish," Nova says.
"Very well. Then I shall take my leave." She looks up to the sky, then utters one last demand. "Don't make me do this the hard way."
And with that, she is gone. Black Nova sputters angrily. How dare she! What on earth has her so upset? Everything is working according to plan! Why would she doubt her?
Her thoughts are interrupted by a weakening sensation flowing through her. She quickly lashes Orion to the altar, sets the Kussel Dagger next to him, then finds her way to the nearest tower. To her disappointment, she sees that the sun is rising. Drat. She has missed her chance. The final act will have to wait until tomorrow. No matter, Nova thinks. It will be all be done in time.