Barbara sat in the quiet, dimly lit room, the faint hum of the cooling systems in the walls the only sound as she cradled Calleum in her arms. She had just finished breastfeeding him, her fingers gently rubbing his back soothingly, waiting for the familiar sound of his burp. When it came, soft and content, Barbara smiled faintly, the tension of the situation momentarily easing as she inhaled the sweet scent of milk lingering on her son's skin. Her heart swelled with an overwhelming sense of protectiveness.
But the serenity didn't last long. The soft sound of footsteps approaching made her look up. Jarlon entered, his expression serious, the usual playfulness gone. His brows furrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line as he stepped closer.
"Barbara," Jarlon said, his voice low, carefu
