EMBER OF LEGACY

DESTINED TO BE

I led Lyrien into the courtyard, where my friends were waiting. They looked up as we approached, their eyes widening in surprise as they took in Lyrien's towering figure.

Lucy's eyes went wide. "Mate?!" she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement.

Astrid's gaze narrowed slightly, sizing Lyrien up. "As in, the one you're destined to be with?" she asked, her voice skeptical.

I nodded, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. "That's the one."

Aston grinned, always eager to meet new people. "Welcome to the family, Lyrien!" he said, clapping Lyrien on the back.

Nova bounced up and down, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I'm so excited to meet you! Miranda's told us so much about you."

Xandros just grunted, crossing his arms over his chest. "Great. Another person to babysit," he muttered.

Lyrien chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's nice to meet you all," he said, his deep voice commanding attention.

As my friends began to pepper Lyrien with questions, I watched with a smile, feeling happy to see them getting along.

Astrid raised an eyebrow. "So, Lyrien, what's it like being a hybrid alpha?"

Lyrien leaned against the wall, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "It's a challenge, but it's worth it. I've got the strength and speed of a werewolf, combined with the magical abilities of a witch."

Nova's eyes went wide. "That's so cool! Can you show us some magic?"

Lyrien chuckled. "Maybe later, Nova. I don't want to overwhelm you all at once."

Lucy grinned. "We can handle it, Lyrien. We're not exactly normal either."

Aston nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we're a pretty weird bunch."

Xandros just rolled his eyes. "Great, just what we need. More weirdness."

I shot Xandros a playful glare. "Hey, watch it. We're not that weird."

Lyrien laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I think you're all pretty great, weirdness and all."

As we continued to chat, I couldn't help but feel grateful for my friends and my mate. We were all misfits in our own way, but together, we fit perfectly.

After chatting for a while, I offered to give Lyrien a tour of the mansion. "Want to see the rest of the place?" I asked, gesturing to the sprawling halls.

Lyrien nodded, his eyes curious. "I'd love to."

I led him through the winding corridors, pointing out various rooms and landmarks. We passed by the library, where Nova was already buried in a book, and the music room, where Aston was practicing a new song.

As we walked, Lyrien asked questions about the history of the mansion and the people who lived here. I did my best to answer, sharing stories and anecdotes about my friends and our adventures.

Eventually, we made our way to the kitchen, where Lucy was busy baking a batch of cookies. The aroma of fresh-baked goods filled the air, making Lyrien's stomach growl with hunger.

"Sorry about that," Lucy said with a laugh. "I guess I should have saved some for our guest."

Lyrien smiled, his eyes lighting up. "I'd love a cookie. Or two."

Lucy grinned and handed him a warm cookie straight from the oven. Lyrien took a bite, his eyes closing in rapture.

"Mmm, this is amazing," he said, his voice full of delight.

I smiled, happy to see Lyrien fitting in so well with my friends.