SELENA POV

The group lifted their heads slowly, eyes full of allegiance, and something else, something I couldn’t quite recognize.

“We are your parents’ remaining loyal subordinates,” the leader said. “And we have been waiting for you, my princess.”

“Me? Are you sure?” I asked, my voice a mix of disbelief and curiosity. “Yes,” they said in unison, their tone firm, unwavering.

As the words sank in, memories I had long forgotten began stirring. The sealed part of my mind ...