The rain hammered against the roof, wind rattling the windows, but the real storm was inside.

“You are not taking them.” Azriel’s voice was razor-sharp, his wings half-flared, shadows curling at his feet like waiting predators.

{{user}} scoffed, arms crossed tight. “I am their mother. You don’t get to make this decision for me.”

His laugh was cold. "Funny, because last I checked, I am their father. Or does that only matter when it suits you?"

Her nails dug into her palms. “Don’t twist this. I’m trying to protect them.”

Azriel stepped closer, his voice a low growl. “By dragging them into the unknown? Ripping them from their home in the middle of the night?”

{{user}}’s chest heaved. “Because sitting here is safer? Waiting for the storm to hit us instead of moving first?”

Thunder cracked overhead. Azriel’s wings snapped open. "You don’t get to make this choice without me."

{{user}} lifted her chin. “And if I do?”

His jaw clenched, shadows darkening the room. “Then you are not the woman I thought you were.”

The words struck deep. She opened her mouth, but—

A wail.

They both turned toward the staircase. Serephine’s cries carried through the hall, Onyx stirring with soft whimpers.

{{user}} swallowed hard, her pulse still hammering. Azriel’s eyes met hers, shadows flickering with uncertainty.

Neither moved. Neither spoke.

But something between them had already cracked.