"Then let's figure it out. Together," Cam said, her voice calm but certain.
Seraphina blinked at her, surprised by the conviction in Cam's eyes. "Now?"
"Why not now?" Cam tossed aside the blanket and stood. "The library's still open for an hour. No one's going to check that late."
Seraphina hesitated, but something about that moment—about now—felt right. She nodded. "Okay."
The two girls slipped out of the dorm and hurried across the courtyard. The academy grounds were quieter at night, the only sounds coming from the rustling trees and the occasional hoot of a distant nightbird. The moon glowed above them, eerily bright, like it was watching.
Inside the library, the towering shelves felt even taller in the low lamplight. Cam led the way with determined energy, heading straight toward the restricted folklore section.
"This place has stuff no one even touches," she whispered, already dragging out a heavy leather-bound book titled Legacy Marks and Lineage Sigils.
Seraphina trailed behind, rubbing her wrist absently. The mark didn't hurt, but it was warm. Like it knew they were getting close.
They sat at a back table under a flickering brass lamp. Dust floated lazily in the air as Cam flipped the book open.
"Let's look for crescent shapes," she muttered.
Page after page revealed ancient markings—sigils of power, seals of houses long vanished, old clans and bloodlines no one spoke of anymore.
Seraphina leaned in when a page made her heart skip.
There it was.
A silver crescent, just like hers. Curved upward like a silent moon-smile.
She touched the image.
Moonborn Lineage
Once believed extinct after the Great Fall. Said to be daughters of celestial power, marked by the moon's kiss. Bearers exhibit unusual strength, prophetic dreams, and an affinity for balance between realms.
Cam read it aloud, her voice slow with realization.
"You're not just anyone," she whispered. "You're part of something... rare."
Seraphina's throat tightened. "But I don't want to be part of something ancient. I just want to know who I am."
Cam gently placed a hand over hers.
"Then this is where we start."
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