CALLUM
My mother's face drained of color, shock written across her features. She opened her mouth, but no sound came. When she finally spoke, her voice was shaky and uncertain. "That's… that's not the same thing, Callum."
"It is," I said, keeping my tone firm. "And for that reason, I won't be letting go of Lila."
"You don't understand the gravity of this situation." Her words were clipped, emotion barely contained beneath the surface. "Yes, the prophecy speaks of power, but it doesn't guarantee benevolence. A Darkchild's potential is as terrifying as it is awe-inspiring."
She paused, seeming to wrestle with what came next. "I've prayed for your mate to be strong, yes, but not at the cost of everything we hold dear. Lila's lineage... It's not just about power. It's about balance. There
