Mask edits not working as expected in LRC

LRC 14.1.1 on a MAcbook Pro with M3 Pro chip

since yesterday, when i make a mask and try to make exposure adjustments, the adjustments are applied to the area of the picture NOT in the mask. If i select 'invert' it doesnt fix the problem. I think i hit a mistaken combination of shortcut keys and now this 'inversion' happens on every picture i try to develop using masks. can anyone hepl me reverse this?