30. Warm welcome back
At Marcelline's Mansion---
The moment the front gates opened, a thunderous growl echoed through the air.
Not dangerous.
Excited.
Very excited.
Because the second Marcelline stepped inside—
"AUNTYYYYY!!!"
A tiny missile launched at her.
Mia ran at super-beast speed, pounced, and wrapped herself around Marcelline like a clingy koala.
Marcelline staggered, caught her, and immediately melted.
Marcelline (soft tone no one else ever hears):
"My baby… I missed you too."
Mia smushed her face into Marcelline's neck.
Mia: "You took too long! I almost filed a missing person complaint!"
Amara: "WITH WHO??"
Mia: "The universe."
Marcelline stepped inside first, Mia still clinging to her like a tiny koala.
The moment her foot hit the courtyard—
THUD. THUD. THUD.
Three enormous shadows dropped from the upper terraces.
Not men.
Not humanoid forms.
FULL. BEAST. FORMS.
Wolf Alpha — 150 years old, silver-fanged menace
A gigantic silver wolf,
taller than a horse,
with sapphire eyes glowing like the moon.
He landed silently, wind swirling around him.
Then—
WHIMPER.
He rubbed his giant wolf head against Marcelline's stomach like an overgrown puppy.
---
Lion Leo — 200-year-old loud drama king
A massive golden lion leapt down next.
Mane flowing like fire,
paws big enough to crush cars,
voice loud enough to shake the palace walls.
Leo (ROARING):
"ELLI HAS RETURNED!!! REJOICE—"
Marcelline:
"Leo, use your inside roar."
Leo:
"I DON'T HAVE ONE!"
---
Panther Paradus — 170-year-old silent assassin
A sleek black panther appeared behind Marcelline without a sound.
Just appeared.
Shadow-like.
Dangerous.
Glowing obsidian eyes locked on her.
Then he nudged her arm with his giant head.
Paradus (low rumbling purr):
"You smell stressed.
Who disturbed you?
Point. I kill."
Marcelline:
"…No killing today."
He huffed, disappointed.
Mia squealed in joy, slipping down to run toward the beasts.
Mia:
"UNCLE WOLF! UNCLE LION! UNCLE PANTHER!!"
Alpha instantly lowered himself to let her climb onto his back.
Leo roared proudly.
Paradus flicked his tail protectively toward her.
Marcelline smiled softly.
These weren't Amara's children.
They were centuries-old Beast Guardians…
…who had found Marcelline during her early power training
and sworn loyalty to her ever since.
----
Then Victor Walked In…
The brothers paused.
Their eyes narrowed.
Victor froze like he walked into a hunting trap.
Alpha: "Why is he here."
Leo: "Did the mosquito follow you home??"
Paradis: pulls out a dagger silently
Victor raised both hands.
Victor: "Peace. I come in charm, not war."
Mia : "UNCLE SYRUP IS HERE!"
Victor: "DON'T CALL ME THAT—"
Too late.
Mia wriggled down, sprinted, and jump-kicked Victor's leg like a tiny martial artist.
Mia: "Where were you running this time, hmm?"
Victor stumbled.
Alpha and Leo burst into howling laughter.
Leo: "BEHOLD! The mighty vampire lord defeated by a toddler!"
Victor: "SHE IS NOT A NORMAL TODDLER—"
Paradus: "Fight her. I want to watch."
Victor: "NO—"
Mia dashed away and returned with…
A cup of ketchup,
a bottle of syrup,
and a water gun full of chocolate milk.
Victor backed up so fast he hit the wall.
Victor: "WAIT—STOP—TALK THIS OUT—"
Mia (battle stance): "Do you surrender?"
Victor: "YES—YES—I SURRENDER!"
He dropped to his knees dramatically.
Alpha: "Weak."
Leo: "Pathetic."
Paradus: nods respectfully to Mia
Marcelline burst into laughter so hard she had to hold onto a couch.
Amara laughed ..
Then Marcelline.
Then Sister Florence ,entered the room with her tray of cookies, took one look, and—
Florence: "Oh heavens… he surrendered to the baby AGAIN?!"
She started laughing so hard tears came out.
The three women—
Marcelline, Amara, and Florence—
fell onto the couch, clutching their stomachs.
Marcelline (between laughs):
"Stop— I can't— I can't breathe—"
Amara: "Victor's face— HAHAHA—"
Florence: "Someone save the vampire child!"
---
Meanwhile… Victor tried to regain dignity
He stood up slowly, fixing his coat.
Victor: "…I let her win."
Mia: "Lies."
Victor: "…Fine. I fear the condiments."
The whole room exploded again.
Even Paradus smirked.
---
Warmth Settles In
Finally, after the chaos, all of them gathered around the large central hall.
Mia curled into Marcelline's lap, hugging her tightly.
Alpha sat beside them protectively.
Leo sprawled across the carpet dramatically.
Paradis leaned against the wall, quiet but watchful.
Victor sat on the farthest chair like he was recovering from war trauma.
Amara sat with Florence, still giggling.
And for a moment—
despite the ancient prophecies and looming threats—
Marcelline felt something warm in her chest.
Home.
And everyone who loved her.
---