The mutant goddess of the night, Selene, has been prowling the earth for centuries. Born as an external, a type of mutant capable of living forever, she posses vampiric life draining powers, telepathy, control over non-organic substances and the ability to transform into mist. Using these formidable powers, and no doubt others as of yet unrevealed, Selene has survived throughout the centuries, preserving her beauty with the life forces of her victims.

   When she first appeared, she petitioned Sebastian Shaw, the Black King, for the title of Black Queen in the New York Hellfire Club. Unable to refuse her might, he granted her the position. The two remained as sparring partners, each trying to gain power over the other through the years.

   Ironically, it was the mutant Fitzroy from Bishop's future and possible grandson of Sebastian Shaw, that dealt Selene her most devestating blow. She had organized, with the help of the Gamesmaster, a contest of young mutants. These Upstarts, as she called them, competed for leadership of the club by killing off other mutants. In the end, Fitzroy turned on Selene and imprisoned her in a 'spooling chamber'. This torture lasted for months, until she finally was freed.

   Regenerating her power in Paris, Selene came across Madelyne Pryor, recently ressurected by Nate Grey aka the X-Man. Seeking to control Madelyne's considerable power, Selene abducted her and brought her under her wing, intending to mold the young woman. During this time, she traveled to New York and slaughtered all her fellow externals save one. Having absorbed all their collective life forces, she was at the zenith of her power.

  Using Madelyne as bait, Selene caught Fitzroy intending to have her revenge. As he fell under her spell, she made her way back to New York intending to regain her place as Black Queen in the Hellfire Club. She presented Fitzroy as her White Rook and Madelyne as her Black Rook. Ultimately, it was Madelyne Pryor who appears to have stolen the title of Black Queen from Selene. In response, Selene has been secretly plotting with Fitzroy and Tessa to destroy the union between Madelyne and Sebastian, her lover. Who exactly will win the title of Black Queen is still very much undecided...