James's mother's words hung in the air like a challenge. James felt a mix of emotions: anger, confusion, and a hint of fear.
"What do you mean?" James asked, his voice firm. "What secrets is Dad hiding?"
His mother hesitated, as if unsure of how much to reveal. "I've been noticing strange things, James. Things that don't add up. Your father has been acting...different lately. Secretive. And I've seen things...things that can't be explained."
James's eyes narrowed. "What kind of things?" he asked.
His mother glanced around nervously before speaking in a hushed tone. "I've seen him talking to people...people who aren't human. And I've seen him using magic, James. Powerful magic."
James's mind reeled as he tried to process this information. His father, a supernatural being with secrets a
