Barbara leaned back on the couch, watching in amazement as her home became a mini festival. Every corner was bustling, hybrids of all kinds mingling as if all differences were forgotten, united in their excitement to meet the new arrival. A big grin tugged at her lips as she watched Lycus, her stoic, often intimidating mate, beaming at their baby boy, Calleum, as he held him up for the cheering crowd. The typically reserved Lycus had somehow embraced the role of proud father with a rare and tender joy, and his gentleness toward Calleum softened even the most guarded expressions around them.
The hybrids, often hardened by their shared history and rough lives, smiled delightedly. Some reached out just to touch Calleum's tiny hand; others cooed or laughed as the baby blinked with steady, cur
