Mated To The Hybrid Prince - Chapter 81: Chapter 81

5 Years in the Human Realm.
(Lily’s POV)
It’s been five years… but the night of the palace attack still lives in my bones. The sound of swords clashing, bones breaking, screams that haunted the halls.
And her—my Aunt Lamia.
Her final words to me echo like a prayer I never stop hearing.
“You and your babies will be safe. That is all that matters…”
I still see the blinding light, the way her body shimmered, how she fell to the ground being stabbed, the spells she chanted and her tears of pain as she waved me farewell.
Sometimes, I still wake up hoping it was all just a dream but it wasn’t.
She’s gone.
And I’m alive because she gave up everything. She died saving me and my babies.
A loud knock on the door pulled me back to the present.
“Come in,” I whispered, moving away from my window.
Alora, my assistant, stepped in with her usual bright but professional smile, holding a tablet.
“Good afternoon, Ma’am. The Boston team confirmed that they’ll be arriving next week for the gemstone showcase. Also, the Everoux family wants to move their presentation forward.”
I gave a small nod and rubbed my temples. “Okay. Make sure the prototypes are finalized. Send me the updated file, and I’ll go through it tonight.”
She hesitated. “Should I remind you about the Boston prep later?”
“I’ll check it myself,” I replied. “What time is it?”
“One fifty.”
And right on cue, my phone buzzed. It was my alarm. It was time to pick-up my kids from school.
“I have to go,” I said, already gathering my things. “Clear everything else on my schedules.”
Alora didn’t even blink. She knew the rule. Everyone in the company did... No matter how busy I got; the meetings, press, launches, I always picked up my kids myself.
They were my source of joy.
“Yes, ma’am,” she said gently. “I’ll update your calendar.”
I grabbed my bag and phone, heading out. Three protocol guards waited by the door. One bowed as he opened the black SUV for me.
Marcus, my longtime driver, gave me a warm smile when I entered the car. “Good afternoon, Miss Lily.”
I nodded, sinking into the backseat.
The car pulled away from the building, two escort vehicles trailing behind us. I leaned back, letting the leather cushion soothe my aching back.
The afternoon sun painted a warm glow on the windows, and the city passed by in a blur. We arrived at the school just as the bell rang.
The doors burst open, and there they were.
“Mommyyy!” two excited voices squealed.
Lamia ran as fast as her tiny legs could carry her, curly hair bouncing with every step. She launched into my arms and kissed my cheeks over and over, giggling. “I missed you so so much, Mommy!”
“Miss Amanda gave me a shiny rainbow sticker today! It was the biggest one on the whole sticker chart!”
Zeus ran to my other side, puffing out his chest. “And I got the golden star! She said I was super fast and super smart today!”
“You’re both amazing,” I smiled, squeezing their tiny hands in mine.
My protocol team collected their bags and lunch boxes, while the twins scrambled into the SUV, their energy bubbling as always.
“She took the pink eraser!”
“He ate my jelly bean!”
“Mommy, tell her!”
“Nooo, Mommy, tell him!”
I held up both hands, amused. “Okay, okay. No arguing till we get home or I’m eating your snacks.”
Silence returned to the car.
“Not the panda crackers?!” Zeus gasped
“You wouldn’t dare…” Lamia whispered dramatically.
I raised an eyebrow. “Try me.”
They giggled, instantly forgetting their fight as they leaned into me.
Marcus chuckled from the front seat as we drove home.
The mansion gates opened as we approached. Staff bowed as we pulled in. Sophia, their nanny, stood waiting with a warm smile.
“My darlings have returned!” she said, stretching out her arms.
“Mrs. Sophia!” they shouted in unison, rushing into her arms.
“I’m the king of spelling!” Zeus said proudly.
“And I’m the queen of stickers and spins!” Lamia twirled.
Sophia chuckled, leading them inside. “Let’s get you washed and fed, my little royals.”
I stood at the doorway, heart full. Their laughter echoed through the hallway and filled the house with joy. They were safe.
They were happy.
That’s all that mattered.
I walked to my bedroom and sat on the bed. I only meant to rest for a minute but soon I was climbing the bed and drifting into sleep.
When I woke up, it was mid-night.
The first thought that came to mind were my children. I panicked for a moment but then I remembered that they were home with me.
I tiptoed across the hall, and opened their door slowly.
There they were.
Zeus snoring softly, clutching a pillow
Lamia curled up with her stuffed wolf, whispering in her sleep.
“I didn’t cheat… I’m just good…”
I covered my mouth to stop from laughing.
I kissed them both goodnight and turned off the light.
The hallway was quiet. The house was dim and calm.
Downstairs, I opened my laptop in the study, ready to catch up on work. I had barely opened my emails when my phone rang.
It was Dev.
My heart dropped. He never called this late.
I answered quickly. “Dev?”
“Lily,” he said, his voice tight.
"What is it?”
He paused for a second.
“Dev... say it.”
He exhaled. “He’s coming.”
I blinked. “Who?”
“The Crowned Prince. He’s coming to the human realm.”
“What?!” I shot up to my feet.
Then he said it again. “Zion is coming.”
Everything spun.
Zion.
Here?
No…
No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening.
My chest rose and fell too fast. My hand shook. I stood there, the phone pressed to my ear, heart racing.
Zion… after all these years?