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I look back and forth between the two of them, hardly able to take it all in. Tiberias is my real dad. He and my mom have been in love since before I was born.

“Are you okay?” Mom asks.

“Yeah. It’s going to take some time to digest the news.”

“That’s understandable. Just remember that everything we did was with your best interests in mind.”

My mom and Tiberias exchange nervous looks, as if they aren't sure what to do next.

"Do you want something to eat?" Tiberias eventually says.

I shake my head no. “I think I just want to go back to the academy.”

Mom’s face pales. “Are you upset with us?”

“I just need space to think.”

“Are you certain?” Tiberias asks.

“Yes.”

“Very well.” He motions for a servant to come over. “Prepare a car to take the princess to the Dark Sea Academy.”

The servant bows and scurries away.

Tiberias turns to me. “I have something I want to give you. Will you come to my office with me? That’s where it is.”

“Sure.”

Mom and I follow my uncle—I mean, my dad—to his office. He motions for me to sit. I study the painting of Queen Sirena and wonder if she ever had to go through anything as insane as this.

Then it hits me.

Her curse.

I didn’t kill my dad.

He was my uncle.

That’s why I haven’t felt like I came into my full power.

Because I didn’t.

Heart thundering, I turn and study Tiberias, who is digging through a desk drawer.

I’m going to have to kill him.