Lucien was sitting by the window of his apartment, the cold breeze brushing against his face. The weight of his father's ultimatum still crushed his chest when his phone buzzed.

*Mom.*

He hesitated before answering. “Mother?”

Her voice came soft, urgent. “Lucien, I didn’t tell your father everything the witch showed me.”

He straightened immediately, heart pounding. “Why?”

“Because I wasn’t sure… and I needed time to understand it.” She took a breath. “There’s a path—one that could lift your curse. If Aria falls in love with you and bears your child under the full moon… the darkness tethered to your soul might be broken.”

Lucien froze. “A child? With...