"This is exactly as it should be," my wolf responds, her voice filled with quiet certainty. "Look at her, truly look. She is both forest and moon, both bloodlines combined in perfect harmony. The prophecy never specified a son—it spoke only of an heir."
Before I can respond, the door bursts open. Kael strides in, his presence filling the room with Alpha energy. His face lights up at the sight of the bundle in my arms.
"My heir," he breathes, reaching for her. "Let me hold my child."
My heart pounds as he lifts her from my arms, cradling her with surprising gentleness. For one beautiful moment, he gazes down at her with pure joy and pride.
Then she opens her eyes.
The change is instant. His body goes rigid, a low growl building in his chest as he stares into those unmistakably green eyes. "What is this?" he snarls. "These eyes... they're not mine."
"Kael," I say softly, forcing strength into my voice despite my exhaustion. "Listen to me. She is your daughter. Your heir. But she's also-"
"No!" His growl cuts through the room like thunder. "This child cannot be mine. Those eyes..."