The Principal’s Office

Principal Kate folded her hands on the desk as she began. "You're all asking questions, and I suppose it's time you know a little about why I've kept these secrets."

She looked down, gathering her thoughts. "Years ago, I was young, pregnant, and alone in the city. I'd fallen for another shapeshifter—Liam's father. He was powerful, cunning, and… well, he wanted nothing to do with a child. Said it was a distraction, a weakness. So, when I told him I was expecting, he vanished." There was bitterness in her voice but she pushed on.