THEY CHOSE THE WRONG PREY

"Happy Birthday, Selene!" The shout echoed across the Crescent University cafeteria as a group of students crowded around her table. Selene nearly dropped her coffee. "Zoe!" Her best friend laughed so hard she almost knocked over her tray. "What? You should've seen your face." "You're impossible." "And you're officially eighteen." The group cheered. Selene couldn't help smiling. Life wasn't perfect, but it wasn't bad either. She was a first-year Psychology student at Crescent University. She had a scholarship, good grades, and amazing friends. For the first time in a long while, everything felt like it was finally falling into place. "Make a wish." Zoe pushed a cupcake toward her. A single candle flickered on top while everyone around the table watched expectantly. A few people had already pulled out their phones. "Zoe, we're literally in the middle of the cafeteria." "Exactly," Zoe replied with a grin. "Now blow out the candle, birthday girl." The table laughed. Selene rolled her eyes but looked down at the candle anyway. At first, she wasn't sure what to wish for. Then a strange thought crossed her mind. It wasn't something she had planned. It just appeared. A question she had never really been able to answer. "I wish I knew who I really am" The thought surprised her. It was a weird wish, but for some reason it felt right. Selene stared at the flame for another second before leaning forward and blowing it out. The candle went dark. Everyone immediately cheered. Zoe wrapped an arm around her shoulders while the others laughed and continued teasing her about becoming an adult. Selene laughed along with them. To everyone else, it was just a birthday celebration. Just a cupcake, a candle, and a silly wish made during lunch. Nothing important. Nothing unusual. At least, that's what Selene thought.