**Chapter 2: Bloodlines and Secrets**

Maya's eyes drifted toward the window as she sipped her coffee, lost in thought. The morning sunlight streaming through the panes highlighted the sharp planes of her face, and for a moment, her features seemed almost otherworldly. Her adoptive family had always known her as a strong, capable woman, but they also understood that her past was complicated. As a Kryptonian, Maya possessed abilities that set her apart from humans. Her people had always been known for their superhuman strength, speed, and agility, but Maya's heritage was further complicated by the presence of Raziel's bloodline, a legacy of the angelic being who had watched over her family for generations. As she stood there, lost in the memories of her childhood, Maya's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her parabatai, Clary's, voice calling from downstairs. "Maya, breakfast is ready!" She smiled wryly, recalling the countless mornings she had spent with her adoptive family, the Frays. They had taken her in when she was just a child, providing a loving home and helping her navigate the complexities of her mixed heritage. Her adoptive mother, Jocelyn, a seasoned Shadow Hunter, had instilled in her the values of courage and resilience. Her adoptive father, Luke, a werewolf and a gentle soul, had offered guidance and support. And Clary, her parabatai and adoptive sister, had become her closest friend and confidante. Maya made her way downstairs, her long blonde hair bouncing with each step. As she entered the kitchen, she was greeted by the warm smiles of her family. Clary, with her striking features and mischievous grin, was already seated at the table, sipping a cup of coffee. Jocelyn and Luke exchanged a glance, their faces filled with concern. "Maya, are you okay?" Jocelyn asked, her voice low and gentle. "You've been distant lately." Maya forced a smile, trying to reassure them that she was fine. But the truth was, her past still haunted her. The memories of her abusive father, a Kryptonian with a dark history, still lingered. His presence had left an indelible mark on her life, one that she couldn't shake no matter how hard she tried. As she sat down to eat, Clary nudged her playfully. "Hey, sis, you didn't answer my question. What's going on with you and Eric?" Maya's cheeks flushed as she met Clary's inquiring gaze. "There's nothing going on, Clary. He's just a student." But Clary wasn't buying it. She had seen the way Eric looked at Maya, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled at her. And Maya had seen the way he looked at her, too - with a deep and abiding curiosity that made her heart skip a beat. "I'm just saying, Maya," Clary continued, her voice laced with amusement, "you seem to be enjoying his company a bit too much." Maya rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Clary, stop. I'm his teacher, and that's all there is to it." The rest of the morning passed in a blur of activity, with Maya preparing for another day of teaching and Clary and the others heading out to run errands. As she watched them leave, a pang of loneliness struck her. She was grateful for the love and support of her family, but there and then, Maya wondered if she would ever be able to truly open up to them about her past. The drive to school was uneventful, but as Maya stood at the front of her AP English classroom, she felt a spark of electricity run through her body. Eric was already seated at his desk, his eyes fixed intently on her. Maya smiled to herself, recognizing the hunger in his gaze. He was a bright student, and she enjoyed his participation in class discussions. As the lesson progressed, Maya found herself stealing glances at Eric. His messy brown hair and bright blue eyes made her heart flutter, and she was grateful when the final bell rang, signaling the end of the period. Maya's goal was to maintain a professional distance, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Eric was slowly drawing her in. The moment they stepped out of class, Eric caught up with her. "Ms. Hart, can I talk to you for a minute?" Maya hesitated, unsure if she should indulge him. But there was something in his eyes that made her hesitate. "Of course, Eric. What's on your mind?" He took a deep breath before speaking. "I was wondering if we could discuss The Great Gatsby further. I really loved your analysis in class, and I was thinking... maybe we could meet up at the library to talk more about it?" Maya's instincts screamed at her to be cautious. She was, after all, his teacher. But there was something in Eric's voice that made her agree. "That sounds like a great idea, Eric. I'll meet you there after school." As they parted ways, Maya couldn't shake the feeling that her carefully ordered life was about to take a dramatic turn. Little did she know that Eric would soon become a bigger part of her world than she had ever anticipated.