The morning sun streamed through the sheer curtains of the Valeriea estate in New York. The date marked a quiet but significant occasion—Luna's 18th birthday.
There was no grand party. No glittering guests. Just Mira and Luna, as always. Yet something about the day felt strangely heavy, charged with emotion and something else neither of them could name.
Mira made her daughter's favorite breakfast: pancakes shaped like moons, berries placed gently on top like stars. Luna giggled at the sight.
> "Still treating me like I'm five," she joked.
> "You'll always be my little girl," Mira whispered, brushing Luna's hair with affection. But in her heart, fear bloomed. Today wasn't just Luna's birthday. It was the day everything could change.
Later that afternoon, Luna's final high school results came in. She had scored an impressive 89.17%, and her joy was explosive.
> "Mama! Look!" she cried, holding her phone out. "I did it!"
Mira hugged her tightly. But just as they embraced, a soft golden shimmer began to glow from Luna's skin.
Mira's eyes widened.
Luna stepped back, confused. Her arms gleamed faintly like moonlit silk. Her eyes—usually a calm brown—had flickered briefly to a glowing gold.
> "Mama… did you see that?"
> "It must be the lighting," Mira said quickly, her voice too flat. "Maybe you're just glowing with happiness."
But in her heart, Mira knew.
The powers were waking up.
---
The Night Before Departure
Later that evening, they sat quietly on the couch. Luna could tell her mother had been deep in thought all day.
> "There's something I need to talk to you about," Mira began, her voice gentle but firm. "Your father wants you to move to Paris. He's arranged everything. You'll attend one of the best universities for higher studies."
Luna frowned. "But I don't want to leave you…"
> "I've already made a deal with him," Mira said, smiling gently. "I'll come to visit you twice every month. But Paris is important, Luna. For your growth. For your future."
Mira reached for a dark velvet box. Inside it lay a delicate silver chain, engraved with a mysterious golden symbol that shimmered under the light.
> "What is this?" Luna asked.
> "This… was given to me by someone I once trusted," Mira said carefully. "It's not just jewelry. This chain can control or suppress supernatural powers. I don't know exactly what kind of powers you carry… but if one day, those powers become dangerous—this will protect others. And you."
Luna stared at it, stunned.
> "Powers? Mama, what do you mean—"
> "Not today," Mira said softly. "But one day, you'll understand. Until then… wear it. Especially during full moons and new moons. That's when things are… less stable."
She then handed Luna a small bracelet. It looked simple, but inside was a hidden blade, disguised within the clasp.
> "Paris isn't always safe," Mira whispered. "There are people… beings… that walk freely in the night. Use this only when you must."
Luna felt her heart twist.
Everything was changing.
---
The Airport: A Mother's Silent Goodbye
The next morning, Mira and Luna stood side by side at the bustling New York airport, pulling Luna's suitcase behind them.
The sky was still dark—5:00 a.m.—and the world felt half-asleep. But Luna's heart beat like a drum.
Mira didn't speak much. She just held Luna's hand tightly, her