The words come.
"I'm not here to prove I'm worthy of divine favor. The Moon Goddess made that determination when she blessed my bloodline. I'm here because this Council seems to believe it has authority over the Goddess's gifts, and I'm here to respectfully disagree."
I pause, letting that sink in. Several Councilors shift uncomfortably. Challenging their authority isn't usually how these meetings start.
"I'm a mother. My priority is keeping my children safe, healthy, and free to grow into who they're meant to be. Your registration protocols treat them as inventory to be tracked rather than individuals with rights. That's unacceptable."
Marcus tries to interrupt, but I continue, voice firm.
"I've used my abilities exactly once—to stop a dark witch who'd terrorized packs for three cent
