The room was still cloaked in the early morning haze when I felt my father’s hands yank me out of bed.
“Wake up!” His voice was sharp, pulling me from the warmth of my blankets.
“Dad, I still want to sleep—” I groaned, my words thick with sleep.
“No,” he snapped, his tone lightening only slightly, “today’s your 13th birthday, and you still want to sleep?” His words hit me like a splash of cold water. My heart jumped.
Today was the day. Today, we were going to visit the Moon Goddess’ Lake!
In an instant, I was wide awake. “I’m ready!” I shot out of bed with a grin that stretched from ear to ear, my excitement bubbling to the surface.
Just as I stood, Zaria, my sister, appeared in the doorway, holding a cake in her hands. She burst into a cheerful song, her voice bright and playful, qu
