Kataya’s POV The next day, I woke up to do what was necessary. Only there was a small difference inside me. I was determined to be the best shifter, so the moon goddess would speak to me. It was uncertain how I would go about doing so, but I figured as long as I spoke with one of the priests, I would have some inkling. Instead of making my breakfast, I got dressed. I could hear my dad in his study snoring away.Memories of last night flitted through my mind. It wasn’t a bad dream; it was real. My parents weren’t my parents. My mother wanted to give me to the temple. Questions on her love arose to mind. “Did she even care about me? Was it just a lie?”“Was what a lie?”Startled by her voice, I jumped and squealed. “Ah”She walked towards me. Her hair tousled from sleep. She appeared to have been well rested to me. “What were you talking about?

Kataya’s POVWe all turned around when someone cleared their voice. I faintly thought I heard Ms. Tanis curse, but when I looked at her, she had a tight smile on her face. The assistant principal reached out to touch Rei Kang’s shoulder. “I hear your little ones are talking about things children shouldn’t involve themselves in.”A child popped out from behind him. It was one of Celia’s friends. She stuck her tongue out at me. Ms. Tanis moved to the side, getting Celia away from her leg. “Exactly right, hence why I was about to get them into the classroom and explain why this shouldn’t be a topic of discussion.”I watched and paid attention to the way they acted with each other. When assistant principal Dickerson spoke, I detected a strange tone. “Is that right? Then we should all go to the classroom so you can show ME how you handle unruly students.”Ms. Tanis stiffened. &l

Hiru’s POVI know the principal and assistant principal are against having Kataya in the school. Our elder and dad talked about how everyone should treat her. Dad hadn’t agreed one way or the other just yet. He’s against violence aimed at women or children. I may be rude to her, but I’ve never intentionally hurt her. Seeing how Mr. Dickerson treated Ms. Tanis and Kataya got my blood boiling.“Mr. Dickerson, I was sure my dad, the snake king, said never to harm women or children. You’ve slapped Ms. Tanis and bruised Kataya. What do you think he will say concerning that?”The older man stiffened. His glare leveled at me. I stood there, unyielding. “Sorry, little prince.” Sarcasm dripped from his voice. “I was not aware you care so much for the shifterless child.”My brows furrowed. I didn’t care about her. It was wrong to abuse her and Ms. Tanis. “Then I take it y