Their Marked Baby Boy
Abandoned by his mother, tormented by his alcoholic father, Lucas grows up with a mysterious birthmark and a crushing sense of isolation. On his 18th birthday, a terrifying secret is revealed: he was traded before birth to an unknown entity. Now, whisked away to a hidden world of supernaturals, Lucas discovers his birthmark is a 'mate marking,' a symbol of connection to not one, but three destined partners. Can he embrace this strange new destiny and find belonging, or will the shadows of his past consume him?
The persistent, rhythmic tick of the old digital clock was the only sound cutting through the oppressive silence of my room. 11:58. Almost there. Another minute, and I'd be eighteen.
My oversized hoodie was doing little to ward off the chill that seemed to seep from the very walls of the house, a constant companion since Mum left. I pulled the thin blanket tighter around me, but it was useless. Comfort wasn't something this house offered.
Dad was probably passed out downstairs again, muttering about debts and things not being 'his.' It never made sense. Nothing ever made sense here.
My eyes flickered to the clock again. 11:59. Just one more minute.
