Daryl’s POV

I stared, dumbfounded, at my birth mother Elaine. The words flowing from her mouth felt unreal. Every syllable was like a hammer to my heart, each revelation tearing apart everything I thought I knew.

I wasn’t the only one in shock—Leo and Mara sat beside me, just as stunned. How could she keep such a secret from us?

We were all still gathered in the living room, with Serai, the witch, seated in our midst, her gaze calm yet watchful.

The tension in the room was ...