CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY – The Newborn Heir

In the Whispering Woods, the Sylvan Council sensed the shift in the magical balance. The ancient oak tree swayed gently, its leaves rustling with approval. "It is done," the collective voice murmured. "The child of prophecy has been born. A new era begins." Anna sat in a rocking chair a week after, cradling little Lila in her arms. Despite the peaceful scene, her brow was furrowed with worry and exhaustion. "Shh, shh," Anna cooed, gently bouncing Lila as the baby whimpered. "It's okay, sweetie. Mommy's here." But as Lila's whimpers turned into full-blown howls, Anna felt a wave of panic wash over her. "Oh no, not again," she muttered. Erik appeared in the doorway, his hair tousled from sleep. "Everything alright?" he asked, stifling a yawn. Anna looked up at him, her eyes wide with desperation. "Erik, I don't know what I'm doing wrong. She won't stop crying, and I've tried everything. Feeding, changing, rocking... Nothing works!" Erik crossed the room and knelt beside the rocking