Chapter 7

I stared at Ruby, my mind racing with questions. How could she be my mother? Why had she abandoned me? And what did she want from me now?

Asher stepped forward, his eyes narrowed. "How do we know you're telling the truth?" he asked.

Ruby smiled, a small, sad smile. "I have proof," she said. "A letter, written by your father. He left it for you, in case I ever found you."

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a worn, folded piece of paper. I took it, my hands trembling as I unfolded it.

The letter was old, the ink faded, but the words leapt off the page. "Dear Luna," it read. "If you're reading this, it means I'm gone. But I want you to know that I love you, and I'll always be with you. Your mother, Ruby, will take care of you. Trust her."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked up at Ruby. Could it be true? Was this woman really my mother?

Elijah stepped forward, his eyes locked on Ruby. "What do you want from Luna?" he asked.

Ruby's expression turned serious. "I want to protect her," she said. "There are those who would harm her, who would use her for their own gain. I won't let that happen."

Asher and Elijah exchanged a skeptical glance, but I couldn't help but feel drawn to Ruby. There was something about her that seemed... familiar.

I looked at Asher and Elijah, hoping for some guidance. But they seemed just as uncertain as I was.

"What do you mean, there are those who would harm her?" Asher asked, his eyes narrowing.

Ruby's expression turned grim. "There are those who would seek to exploit Luna's... abilities," she said. "Abilities that she doesn't even know she has."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. What abilities was Ruby talking about?

Elijah stepped forward, his eyes locked on Ruby. "What do you know about Luna's past?" he asked.

Ruby hesitated, as if unsure of how much to reveal. "I know that Luna's father was involved in some... questionable activities," she said. "Activities that put Luna in danger."

Asher's eyes flashed with anger. "What kind of activities?" he demanded.

Ruby sighed, as if the weight of the world was on her shoulders. "I'll tell you everything," she said. "But first, we need to get out of here. It's not safe."

I nodded, feeling a sense of unease. What was Ruby hiding? And who was after me?

As we followed Ruby out of the cottage, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking into a whole lot of trouble.