Lily's mother's eyes widened, a mixture of concern and resignation flickering across her face. She reached out and grasped Lily's hands, her touch warm and familiar.
"It is possible then," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It sounds like he could be your destined mate."
A shiver ran down Lily's spine, equal parts excitement and trepidation. The confirmation of what she had suspected set her heart racing, but her mother's grave expression tempered her elation.
"You need to be careful, my darling," her mother continued, squeezing Lily's hands. "This should be kept on the down low for now. There are... legends that could make this union dangerous."
Lily swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. "What kind of legends?" she asked, her voice hoarse.
Her mother's gaze darted
