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In the center of the main room, I met my father. His eyes expressed surprise and, at the same time, a mixture of fear and hope. He knew that the moment of the confrontation had come.

"Stella..." whispered my father, his trembling voice. "I knew that one day you would come in search of the truth. I failed you, my daughter, and that's why I carry a burden of guilt."

I looked at him, looking for answers in the eyes of the man who brought me into the world. His words echoed in my mind as I tried to understand the extent of his involvement in the curse that afflicted me.

"Why, Dad? Why did you allow this to happen? Why did you keep such deep secrets from me?" I asked, my voice trembling with emotion.

He sighed, running his hand through his gray hair. "There's a lot I need to tell you, Stella. The truth is complex and painful. I wanted to protect her, but in the process, I ended up pushing you away. The moon pendant necklace you wear is a brand, a connection to the supernatural world. You'r