Kragen's real mother...

Selene POV

The moment Kragen's father laid eyes on me, I felt the air in the garden shift. His eyes, so cold and sharp, bore into me with a disdain that was impossible to miss. It felt as if my very presence had offended him like I didn't belong here—in this place or in Kragen's life. I took a small step back instinctively, but before I could retreat further, Kragen moved.

In one fluid motion, he stepped in front of me, tucking me behind him protectively. His broad shoulders blocked my view of his father, but I could still feel the weight of the man's stare lingering over me like a dark cloud.

"We're just here to ask some questions," Kragen said, his voice calm but tense. "Once we've gotten what we need, we'll be on our way."