“How could you be so foolish?” her mother demanded, her voice trembling with rage. “Thalora? Of all people? Do you have any idea what you’ve done? What kind of darkness you’ve invited into our lives. That dark witch is Isla’s mother.”
Tears streamed down Naya’s cheeks, but she didn’t dare speak. She pressed her hand to her stinging cheek, staring at her mother with wide, frightened eyes.
Naya’s chest tightened at her mother’s words.
“What?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “That’s not possible. You… you’re Isla’s mother.”
Her mother’s expression darkened, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. “I am her mother, yes. But only her adopted mother,” she said, her tone laden with regret.
Naya’s eyes widened in disbelief. “How?” she echoed, shaking her head. “No. That can’t be. Isla’s par
