The carriage rocked gently across the cobbled paths, the wheels creaking as it carried the royal company through the night. Inside, Josephine had fallen asleep, her head resting softly against Xavi's shoulder. The heartless King—feared across kingdoms—rubbed her cheek absentmindedly with his thumb, his expression unreadable, though his touch was tender.
Adris lay nestled in Josephine's arms, drinking his bottle of blood-milk. Suddenly, his small eyes began to glow a brilliant green, light shimmering from within them. Josephine stirred at once, waking up with a faint gasp. She watched as Adris clapped his tiny hands, and the bottle—which had slipped from his grip—lifted on its own and returned neatly into his palms.
Josephine's eyes widened in wonder before she began clapping for him, praising his effort. The boy giggled proudly, chest puffing as if he knew he had done something extraordinary.
Xavi smirked with fatherly pride. "You know, boy," he said in his deep voice, "I don't care if you inherit your mother's powers. You're my son. Even if that mistake was made, it's your foolish and unfortunate bitch of a woman who can never be called a mother."
Adris blinked up at him innocently. "Who is mama?"
Xavi pointed at Josephine. "Jojo."
"Mama Jojo!" Adris squealed happily. "Mama Jojo!" He threw his arms around her tightly. Josephine's heart swelled, and she kissed him softly, her hands moving in graceful signs.
"Thank you," she expressed silently.
Xavi leaned forward and kissed Josephine's cheek gently. For that moment, the ruthless king looked nothing like the monster the world feared.
After an hour, Josephine drifted off again with Adris in her arms. When the carriages rolled to a stop, Xavi carried them both—one in each arm—into the grand halls. Oliver, Kara, Noah, Tess, Theron, Theodora, Piere, and Callum followed close behind.
Inside the grand hall, twelve figures already awaited. Their presence made the air thick with power and danger. As Xavi entered, holding both his bride-to-be and his son, murmurs of disbelief rippled across the hall.
"Wow… he's holding her," a woman whispered, shocked.
Caius immediately barked orders to the guards to prepare chairs. Xavi lowered Josephine onto the seat, balanced Adris carefully against her, and draped a bloody-colored blanket over them for warmth.
"Hey, guys," King Xavi said casually as he strode to his throne.
"All hail King Xavi!" Caius declared.
Everyone—Josephine's siblings included—bowed low.
"HAIL!" they echoed.
"Lyra, inject the medicine," Xavi commanded. Lyra came forward, assisted by Assia, and as they worked side by side, sparks of attraction flickered between them.
The twelve strangers were no ordinary guests. They were legends.
Xantha, Princess of the Dark Elves, also half Siren.
Neera, Grand Duchess of the Ashen Claw Clan, half wolf, half demon.
Agana, Queen of Shadow Serpents, half witch, half Black Lamin.
Kaan, High-Ranking Vampire and Grand Duke of Duskfall, the third most ruthless kingdom.
Akira, Prince of Veythros, a pure-blooded demon.
Rhory, of the Nightmare Serpents, half Lamin, half wizard.
Magnolia, Princess of Hydrassil, descendant of the Gorgons.
Karesse, Queen of Pearlspire, half sea witch, half siren.
Bernard, Grand Prince of Coralyth, half mermaid, half alter-ego.
Kester, King of the Shadowveil Circle Clan.
Hallie, Princess of Caelthrone half banshee half witch.
Warrick, Grand Prince of Lunareth, half dragon, half shapeshifter.
Together, they were known as The Blood Reign Syndicate—the most powerful and ruthless gang across the kingdoms. Feared by all, they ruled through bloodshed and terror. And their leader was none other than King Xavi.
The hall was loud with chatter, voices clashing. The noise woke Josephine. She rubbed her eyes, yawning softly, her head spinning from the commotion.
Why is it so noisy? she thought as she slowly rose from her seat.
In the adjoining hall, Xavi was locked in discussion with the Syndicate when Josephine walked in, still rubbing her eyes, her hair slightly disheveled.
"Josephine?" Xavi's voice softened as he noticed her.
"Hi, Mrs. Josephine," the Syndicate members greeted all at once.
Josephine blinked in confusion, rubbing her eyes again.
"You're still sleepy?" Xavi asked, offering her a glass of water. She shook her head no, then raised her hands, signing: I'm hungry. I'll go and cook now.
"You can't speak?" Rhory asked bluntly.
She nodded firmly.
"Seriously, she can't?" Hallie snickered lightly.
Josephine's eyes narrowed. She turned and glared, her silent fury cutting like a blade.
"Don't just stand there. Go cook—Adris is hungry," Xavi commanded.
Her ring glowed faintly. Josephine nodded and left.
Xavi's gaze hardened. "I know you all can get under people's skin, but not her. She is dangerous—more dangerous than me."
"We'll see about that. I'll test her," Hallie said.
"Me too," Agana added.
"Rest in peace, then," Xavi replied dryly.
In the kitchens, Josephine prepared lunch. She set the table for everyone before sitting down with Adris to feed him. But the little boy giggled mischievously, refusing to stay still, smearing food across his cheeks.
"Adris!" Xavi's voice cracked like a whip.
The boy stiffened instantly, obeying.
"That was harsh," Xoni muttered.
But before anyone else could react, Josephine turned. Her eyes had gone pitch black. She raised her hand, and King Xavi—the ruthless ruler himself—fell to his knees in pain, a guttural growl tearing from his throat.
"WHAT THE BLOODY FUCK?!" Xantha and Hallie exclaimed in shock.
"I'm sorry, Josephine," Xavi gasped hoarsely, struggling.
At once, her eyes returned to normal. She released him, then turned back to Adris, kissing his forehead tenderly. Xavi clutched his chest, still breathing heavily.
"Jeez, I was only trying to discipline him a little…" he muttered.
Her thoughts screamed in fury: He is a CHILD! Don't yell at him again. NOBODY yells at my baby!
Xavi's eyes widened slightly. "So loud…" he murmured.
"Read her mind again?" Xoni teased, handing him a cup of blood.
"Yeah… nobody yells at her baby boy," Xavi muttered.
"She just made You feel pain… how?" Kaan asked.
"It's a long-ass story," Xoni replied, and Xavi himself explained everything—how Josephine's powers worked, what she was capable of, and the bond she shared with her son.
"Still want to test her?" Xavi asked, glaring at Hallie.
"Naah. I'm good. Nope, nope, nope," Hallie said quickly, throwing up her hands. Laughter erupted around the hall—everyone laughing except Xavi himself.
"Let me shock you all," Xoni announced with a wicked grin. "My brother went on one knee and proposed to Josephine on her birthday—in front of everyone. Kings included."
The Syndicate froze. Their eyes widened in disbelief.
"KING XAVI!!" they all cried.
"Yeah," Xavi admitted simply, not bothering to elaborate.
Later, Josephine carried Adris into Xavi's chambers. The boy snuggled into her chest and drifted into sleep. Josephine soon followed, her head resting gently on the pillow.
Xavi entered quietly, gazing at them. His harsh eyes softened. He bent down, kissed Adris on the forehead, then pressed his lips gently against Josephine's.
"Sleep well, my loves," he whispered.
And the room fell silent, guarded by the shadows of the most ruthless king in the world.