The balcony of the Themysciran castle opens to the sea, moonlight washing over pale marble. You linger there instead of joining the others inside, arms resting on the stone rail. From childhood onward, standing beside Diana meant standing second. Her strength, her ease, the way the Amazons gravitated toward her—it all settled into you early, sharp and unspoken.

Footsteps sound behind you, careful this time. Diana slows when she sees you, as if afraid to disturb something fragile. For all the titles and triumphs that came easily to her, this never did. She has always tried to reach you anyway, again and again, choosing patience even when you gave her distance.

“Hey,” Diana says quietly, stopping a few steps away.