"Leave my son!" Ana screamed, her voice cracking as her hand pointed toward Lilith like she was casting a curse. Her face was red, tears falling freely now..not from hatred, but from helplessness, grief, and the overwhelming fear of losing her child. The silence in the hallway shattered instantly.
"Mom!" Rose cried out, standing in front of Lilith protectively, her hands shaking. "Stop it, please! What are you even saying?! You're being unreasonable!"
But Ana wasn't done. Her emotions were spilling out like a storm she couldn't stop. "You all don't understand," she sobbed. "The master of our family… he said Lilith isn't right for him. He said her presence invites danger. He said she's too cold, too powerful… she's not meant for a soft-hearted man like my son…" Her knees buckled slightly, and she leaned against the wall, crying into her palms. "If he dies… I'll never forgive myself…"
