Topple ` 195

Chapter 195 

i nudged and wriggled until my mates groaned and shifted, one by one waking with grunts and stretches. 

Five more minutes, Bram muttered, his voice raspy and delicious. 

1 snorted, sitting up. “We’ve got sixty–two reasons to get our asses moving.” 

That woke them up. 

The dining hall was full of warmth and the scent of bacon, bread, and coffee. I scarfed a plate of eggs like a damn savage while Daxon lectured me about chewing. Lachlan handed me a second mug of enchanted coffee without saying a word, just gave me a soft smile and a 

head tilt. 

Vaelrix leaned against the archway, his arms crossed. “Kids ate in their wing. They’ve been up for hours, apparently. Full of energy. My guards are traumatized.” 

“They’re children,” I teased, finishing off a slice of honeyed toast. “You act like they’re worse than vampires.” 

“They are,” Ashrian muttered into his cup. 

West Wing 

Child Introduction 

The moment we walked into the newly transformed wing, the air lit up with excitement and nervous chatter. The kids stood in neat lines, their clothes clean, their hair brushed, each with a name tag and a hopeful gleam in their eyes. A couple of the littles clung to their assigned nannies, wide eyed but curious. 

I stepped forward, my heart hammering wildly. 

“Alright, babies. Today’s a big day. You’re going to meet some adults who may be your new families. You don’t have to talk to anyone if you don’t want to, but if you feel brave enough, I’d love it if you’d share your name and what you are.” 

One by one, they stepped forward. 

“I’m Kaelin. I’m a Wolf and Fae hybrid,” the black haired girl said softly, wringing her fingers together. 

“I’m Torin. Bear shifter and a witch, I think. I made a plant grow with my tears,” the gentle giant muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“I’m Mina. I bite,” said the fox vamp hybrid with a mischievous smile and bloody knuckles. 

I choked on a laugh. Bram groaned. “Gods help whoever adopts her.” 

Lyssira chuckled, “I want her.” 

Child after child stood tall and spoke their truth. Some were quiet, others loud. Some barely made eye contact. Some beamed. Each one 

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Chapter 195 

was perfect. Once the last little one, shy Yana the dragon wolf hybrid, whispered her name, I turned to the side hallway where the adults were waiting. 

“All right,” I called out. “Come meet the stars of today.” 

The double doors opened and over thirty women poured in, fae with silver hair and glowing palms, dragon shifter females with scaled skin and wide maternal energy. They moved slowly and respectfully, letting the children guide the pace. I stood with my mates near the wall, observing, letting it unfold naturally. 

Sela ran straight into the arms of a pale green skinned fae woman and declared, “You smell like strawberries.” 

Torin sat silently until a dragon shifter woman plopped down next to him with a massive plate of cookies and said, “I brought snacks. Want to talk or just eat?” 

His eyes welled. He chose cookies. Mira, the bouncy fox witch, was already teaching three dragon ladies how to braid with flower vines. 

Ashrian leaned into me. “Twenty have already bonded. I can feel it.” 

Vaelrix nodded. “The healers confirmed compatibility energetically. It’s rare, but it’s happening.” 

“I think I’m gonna cry,” I mumbled. And I did. Not a little. Full blown ugly crying into Bram’s shoulder. 

Healer Thalen approached with a glowing tablet. “We’ve identified each child’s hybrid lineage and magical potential. We’ll pair them with guardians who can support their development. The rest will remain in castle care until more matches arrive.” 

“Any red flags?” Daxon asked. 

Thalen nodded gravely. “A few. We’re keeping a close eye on the dragon hybrid boy, Tovan. He’s stable, but something’s… off. The dragon Marnok remains by his side.” 

I nodded. “No pressure to adopt him. He just needs someone who won’t give up.” 

By the end of the day, twenty children had been matched. Some clung to their new guardians like lifelines. Others walked side by side, grinning. I watched it all, my hands shaking with gratitude. 

Lachlan whispered in my ear, “Ye did this, mo ghrá. Ye saved their souls.” 

I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. 

Because I was too fucking proud to speak. 

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