Selene's POV
I didn't move. "What are you going to do?"
"Help you speak to the one who has been waiting for you," she said simply.
My chest tightened. "My mother."
"Yes."
I turned to Frederick, but he was already by the wall, his eyes fixed on me.
"This isn't safe," I whispered.
"Neither is living a lie," he said quietly.
I swallowed hard and sat down. The chair creaked under my weight. The witch began to hum, a low sound that vibrated through the air. She took a small vial from the shelf and poured a drop of thick, black liquid into the silver bowl. The water hissed, steam rising in slow, curling ribbons.
"Look into the water," she commanded.
My fingers trembled as I leaned forward. The surface rippled. For a moment, all I saw was my reflection—pale, tired, scared. Then the image shifted.
The smoke thickened. A face appeared—familiar eyes, gentle smile, long dark hair. My heart stopped.
"Mother?" I whispered.
