CHAPTER 03

As I walked downstairs, the smell of bacon and eggs filled the air. Mother, Dad, and my sisters were already seated at the dining table. Not wanting to waste time, I greeted them quickly before digging into my breakfast—a plate of bacon, eggs, and porridge.

Mother smiled warmly at me and took my hand. "My little baby girl has turned sixteen today—what a special chapter in her life," she said affectionately. I returned her smile, but before I could respond, Anna, who was busy scrolling through her phone, rolled her eyes.

"So, what are we doing this time? Singing 'Happy Birthday' and cutting a cake? You guys always make birthdays so dull," she muttered.

River, my other sister, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, sis, she's right. It's always the same boring stuff every year," she said before taking a spoonful of porridge.

I couldn't exactly argue with them. Every year, Mother would either sing me a birthday song while Dad was absent, or we'd just cut a cake and call it a day. But this time, something surprising happened—Dad spoke up.

"That's why this year is going to be different," he said, his voice firm yet warm. "My little girl is growing up into a beautiful young lady."

Mother looked at him, clearly shocked. Dad wasn't usually one to make a big deal out of birthdays.

"Even though I won't be able to spend the day with you because of work," he continued, "I want you to have fun. So, I've decided that you girls should go shopping and eat at any restaurant you choose. My treat."

Excitement filled the room. Anna and River instantly brightened up, and I couldn't contain my happiness.

"Thanks, Dad! Thanks so much!" I said, my heart swelling with appreciation.

He winked at me. "Let's just say this is your birthday gift from me."

I stood up and hugged him tightly. As he held me close, he whispered, "Happy birthday, sweetie."

***

Dad had given us his credit card before leaving for work, and I couldn't have been happier—I had never celebrated my birthday like this before.

As we stepped out of the cab, we arrived at one of the city's most luxurious hotels—The Luminous Veil.

"Wow, this is amazing! I never thought I'd ever step foot in The Luminous. Wait till my followers hear about this," Anna gushed, pulling out her phone to start filming. I scoffed, rolling my eyes at her excitement, and took another glance around.

Then suddenly, a deep, familiar voice echoed in my mind.

"Happy birthday, my child."

I froze. My breath hitched as I spun around, searching for the source, but there was no one there.

"What… what was that? Was it all in my head?" Panic settled in. Only one voice had ever sounded like that—the wolf from my dreams.

Oh no. First the dreams, then the visions, my eyes turning electrifying yellow, and now hearing its voice in my head? What was happening to me?

Mother must have noticed my anxiety because she stepped closer, concern etched on her face. "Sweetie, are you alright? Don't you like the place? We can go somewhere else if you'd prefer."

Before I could answer, River cut in. "Mother, what do you mean? We've all wanted to come to The Luminous Veil our whole lives, and now, just because Rory looks a little tired, you want to leave?"

"What? No way!" Anna protested. "Rory, we have to stay. What would my followers think?"

"It's her birthday," Mother reminded them firmly. "She should be the one to choose. But if you're not feeling up for it, Rory, there are boutiques we could check out instead."

I took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "No, Mother, I love it here. It's just… birthday anxiety."

That seemed to put everyone at ease.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Mother said cheerfully, leading the way inside.

I followed, trying to shake off the unease. Maybe I just need to calm down.