The morning was quiet, yet heavy. Oliver sat alone on a bench near the window of the academy, his face pale, his eyes glassy with the weight of thoughts he could no longer bury. He looked so distant, so broken, that Josephine could not ignore him.
She walked softly toward him, her steps light, and sat beside him, her delicate hands moving in graceful signs.
"What's wrong?" she asked silently with her hands.
Oliver wiped at his eyes, his voice trembling.
"I remember everything, Jojo. Everything. I… I really do love Hetragon. I don't even know where she is anymore. And you—" his eyes searched Josephine's face, "—you look like her. It's sad. And you… you put her soul in Queen Victoria's baby bump."
Tears streamed down his cheeks, and Josephine, unable to bear the sight, wrapped her arms around him tightly, holding him as if to shield him from the storm inside his heart. He clung back for a moment, taking in her comfort.
Soon after, the school bell rang, breaking the silence, and they both left for class.
Anesthesia was in her final year with Oliver, while Josephine still had three more years to go. The twins only had one. Exams filled the halls with tension.
When Josephine sat for her paper, she focused deeply. She had always paid attention in her classes, never once distracted, and now every word she had memorized came alive on the page. She wrote with precision, her hand gliding across the parchment faster than anyone else. Ten minutes before the end, she raised her hand, signaling.
"I am done," she said with her hands.
The teacher looked up, slightly impressed, and walked over.
"You can leave, Ms. Josephine," he said, taking her papers.
She picked up her bag and her pencil, but as she walked outside, a wave of dizziness hit her. She stumbled slightly but steadied herself, making her way toward the garden. There, beneath the great tree, she sat down and began to draw, letting the soft scratching of pencil on paper calm her.
Anesthesia found her there.
"Hi, Jojo!" she greeted warmly, leaning in to kiss Josephine on the cheek.
Josephine smiled faintly. Anesthesia lowered herself so Josephine could rest her head on her lap. She stroked her hair gently.
"Here," Anesthesia said, handing her a sheet of questions. "Answer all of these for me, okay?"
Josephine took the sheet obediently and began answering, her pencil moving quickly.
"See you tomorrow, Jojo!" Anesthesia said later, rising as the guards opened the carriage door. Xoni, standing nearby in her red suit, stretched out her hand to wave at Josephine.
Josephine waved back with a soft smile before returning to her drawing. Theron appeared and escorted her inside.
Far away, in the dark kingdom of Noctyra, Xoni and Anesthesia returned home. As they entered the palace, they heard a furious roar echoing through the great halls. Xavi's voice thundered with rage.
His mother was seated with little Adris in her lap, trying desperately to cover the child's ears as Xavi's anger filled the room.
"What's wrong, Mom?" Xoni asked, removing her suit jacket, while Anesthesia rushed forward to take the trembling Adris into her arms.
"GET THE FUCK OUT!" King Xavi roared at one of the visiting kings, a man who had lost the war. Xavi's eyes glowed red with fury.
Without hesitation, he lifted his blade and struck. The man's head rolled across the black marble floor. Xavi's voice was cold, merciless.
"Take him and burn him."
His reputation was sealed in blood—he was the most ruthless of them all. The first king of both vampires and werewolves. Hendrick and Nereon came after, but Xavi ruled unmatched.
He sank into his throne, rubbing his temples.
"Anesthesia," he said sharply.
"Y-Yes?" she stammered, clutching Adris.
"The list," he demanded.
She hurried forward, handing him the parchment. He took it without another word, muttered thanks, then walked to his mother. Leaning down, he kissed Adris on the head.
"Sorry, my boy," he whispered.
Then, without another glance, he strode to his chamber. The blood clung to him, thick on his skin. He stripped, entered the bath, and let the steaming water wash it away.
But even in the water, his thoughts betrayed him. He saw Josephine. Her face appeared inches from his own, her breath warm on his lips.
"Josephine…" he whispered.
He shook his head violently, his thoughts spiraling.
What the bloody fuck was that!? Why am I attracted to her? Why can't I take my mind off her? I have never thought of any woman like this before—not even Velara.
His hands clenched.
I hate her. I hate her! That night—if only I wasn't stupid, drunk—she would never have taken advantage of me. I don't hate my son, Adris. But she… she never even looked at him. If I ever see that bitch near my child, I'll kill her. Josephine is his mother now and forever. Mrs. Josephine Xavi Roman. That is final.
He stepped out of the bath, drying his body, when he saw Adris asleep in his crib. The boy clutched Josephine's blue hairpin in his tiny hand.
Xavi smirked faintly, dressed, and sat with the list, memorizing every name. Soon his eyes grew heavy, and he drifted to sleep with Josephine's image burned into his mind.
The next morning, December 24th, the academy grounds buzzed with energy. The last exam day had arrived.
As Josephine walked down the hall, students whispered, then gasped.
"Look—it's King Xavi and his son!" one voice exclaimed.
Girls rushed to arrange themselves neatly, hoping to catch the King's attention. But Xavi's eyes ignored them all.
Anesthesia quickly pulled Josephine away, guiding her toward the garden, her safe spot.
Xavi entered the academy courtyard, Adris in his arms. One hundred guards fanned out, clearing the path. Teachers, led by Ms. Ruby, ordered the students back inside.
"Bye, Jojo!" Anesthesia said, waving as she climbed into her carriage. Xoni kissed Anesthesia quickly on the lips before leaving with her.
"Jojo!!!" Adris cried, squirming excitedly, reaching out. Josephine bent down, covering his face with kisses.
Then Xavi snapped his fingers. A guard stepped forward with a massive bouquet—black roses, dark red tulips, carnations, and blue lilies. Josephine's favorites.
Ms. Ruby's eyes widened, a grin spreading across her lips.
"Well, isn't this interesting…"
Josephine looked at Xavi, who stood calm, sunglasses hiding his eyes. She smiled softly.
"Are you done with your exams?" he asked.
She nodded.
"Let's get you home," he said simply.
Adris bounced happily in her lap as they rode in the carriage. Suddenly his eyes began glowing, his small body rising into the air. His fangs emerged, his skin shifting into werewolf fur, and he let out a sharp howl.
Josephine caught him quickly, holding him against her chest as he licked her face.
"Well," Xavi said with a proud smirk, "looks like your powers came early, my boy."
Josephine kissed Adris's forehead. The boy leapt onto his father, snarling playfully.
"It's good you didn't get your mother's kind," Xavi muttered.
Josephine tugged sharply at his ear.
"Ouch!"
She signed fiercely, "Don't ever tell him that again! Besides—what is his mother's kind?"
"She's a witch," Xavi spat, "and a bitch."
Adris calmed, returning to normal, but his fangs remained. Josephine touched Xavi's back lightly, consoling him. He felt her warmth and cursed silently to himself.
Control yourself, Xavi.
Josephine's thoughts betrayed her too. His lips look lonely…
Suddenly, Xavi pulled her close.
"Fuck it," he whispered, and kissed her deeply. His hand wrapped around her neck, his lips devouring hers.
Her sweetness overwhelmed him. Gosh… she tastes so sweet, he thought, losing himself in the kiss.
When the carriage stopped, they pulled away. His voice was deep, commanding, but softer than usual.
"See you during your birthday, Ms. Josephine."
The words made her tremble. She kissed his cheek, then Adris's, before stepping out.
"Jojo!" Adris cried, waving sadly as the carriage departed. Josephine's chest ached at the sight.
"Hey, Jojo love," Ceillie called, patting her lap. Josephine lay down, silent, clutching her flowers.
Three hours later, Tess and Therodora found her.
"The most heartless king gave you flowers, Jojo?" Therodora teased.
Josephine blushed and nodded.
"Aww, you're blushing!" Tess giggled.
Josephine quickly scribbled on a sheet of paper and handed it to them.
He kissed me. My first kiss.
"What!!!!" they both screamed.
They grabbed her and dragged her into Noah's room, calling for the others. Josephine sat shyly on his bed, her cheeks crimson. Tess held the bouquet while Therodora handed Noah the paper.
"No kissing till your wedding, Jojo," Piere declared firmly.
Josephine smiled faintly.
"No more kisses," Noah added, frowning.
Far away, Xavi heard everything through his shadows, smirking darkly.
Tess whispered, "I wonder how his castle looks…"
"Maybe after her birthday, we'll know," Theron answered.
Her birthday—June 20th. The night of the purple moon.
Meanwhile, in Crimson Hollow, Kara had grown. She bore her mother's green hair and her father's red eyes.
"Kara!!" Queen Victoria called, smiling as her daughter trained fiercely in the courtyard.
Vampires grew fast, faster than humans, and Kara knew her destiny well. She belonged to Oliver. She smiled warmly at King Nereon as they watched.
After years of despair, Victoria was grateful for her only child.
"Next up, the kingdom of Dravenor!" Kara cheered.
"Yeah!" Nereon laughed.
"See you soon, Queen Josephine," Kara whispered in her mind with a smile.