Selina’s POV
“But then you shifted. And the mark returned.” Mom’s voice cracked. “Exactly as it had been the night you were born.”
I sat frozen, trying to process everything she’d just told me. Born under an impossible moon. Marked by something unknown. Hunted. Then vanished for three days, only to return with the mark gone.
For eighteen years, I’d been normal. Free.
Until I wasn’t.
“So you knew,” I said quietly. “You knew I was different. That’s why you weren’t surprised when I didn’t shift at thirteen.”
Mom nodded, wiping at her tears. “You were always special, Selina. From the moment you were born, I knew your path would be different.”
“But you had no answers,” Ashran said, watching her carefully.
“None.” Mom’s shoulders sagged. “I had no way to protect you beyond hiding and hop
