Chapter 33: Shadows, Grief, and Light
Xavi held Josephine tightly, feeling the trembling of her body against his chest. She had been in shock all night, her mind swirling with the chaos and grief that had taken over. Anesthesia had cast a sleeping spell on her, trying to calm her, but it was weak, and the spell broke almost immediately.
"Can I try?" Adris's tiny voice interrupted the tension. His small legs climbed onto the bed, and he snuggled next to Josephine, patting her head softly. He began to hum and sing quietly, his innocent melody seeping through her frayed nerves. Josephine's eyelids fluttered, her breath slowing as the warmth of her son's presence comforted her.
Anesthesia whispered the sleeping spell again, this time it held. Josephine finally drifted off, Xavi carefully covering both her and Adris as they slept together in the quiet aftermath of the storm.
Rain poured outside, drumming heavily against the grand hall where both families gathered for Ceillie's funeral. The room was heavy with grief. Josephine sat in Tess's arms, her body shaking with silent sobs. Callum rested his head on Nyx's shoulder, Piere held Raden's hand tightly, and the children clustered near Ceillie's coffin.
"Thank you for raising us. We are all very grateful for you," they whispered together, except Josephine. She stood frozen, her heart a painful knot.
"Jojo, love," Sophina's gentle voice called, and Josephine stepped closer, tears streaming down her cheeks. In her mind, she begged, Nana, I love you so much. Please… open your eyes for me… I'll do anything. I promise never to misbehave again. I'll join you if I must… just once… please.
Xavi and Kara, sensing her despair, pulled her back gently as the coffin was carried to the cemetery. A golden gravestone awaited Ceillie, shining in the muted rain. Xavi held Josephine in his arms as the gang, along with family members, walked solemnly behind. Josephine's grief ran deeper than anyone's, her pain raw and unfiltered.
They lowered Ceillie into the grave, covering her with sand. Xavi shielded Josephine's face, offering silent protection. The families returned to the hall, each lost in their own sorrow. Noah held Tess, Nyx held Callum's hand, and Piere rested against Raden's shoulder.
Two hours later, Josephine felt a warmth draw her outside. A strange ray of light formed above Ceillie's grave. She stepped away from the hall, trembling.
"Jojo?" Tess called, pulling slightly from Noah's chest.
Xavi followed quickly. "Josephine!?" he shouted, his voice echoing across the vast hall.
And then it happened. Ceillie's spirit appeared above the grave. Josephine's eyes widened in disbelief and joy. She clapped, pointing at the grave, then ran forward as fast as her legs could carry her.
"JOSEPHINE!" Hendrick and Xavi called, but she didn't stop. The children and the gang followed, hearts pounding. Josephine reached for Ceillie's hand as the spirit smiled.
"I love you, Jojo," Ceillie whispered, before fading. Josephine collapsed to her knees, Xavi catching her firmly.
"WHY DID YOU FUCKING RUN, HUH!?" Xavi's voice was both angered and relieved.
Tess rushed over. "Jojo… you saw her too, didn't you?"
Josephine nodded, tears streaming freely. Tess cupped her face. "Look at me. Me, Callum, and Piere—we're all with you. We're a family now. Every weekend, we visit her grave, sleep in her room. Okay, baby?" Josephine nodded, clinging to Tess in a tight embrace, Piere and Callum hugging each other and Josephine close.
Two weeks later, Josephine returned from school. Though she had spent the weekend with family and siblings, she had become cold and distant, emotions dulled. Yet, with Adris, she was nurturing and gentle, her love unshakable.
Xavi took her to a private room, showing her two framed pictures—one of her and Ceillie together, and another golden frame capturing her childhood memories alongside Ceillie, Piere, Callum, and Tess. Josephine's eyes glistened with tears. Xavi kissed her forehead, holding her close.
"Come on, let's feed you. You haven't eaten, and you need your medicine too," he said, carrying her to the dining table. He fed her chicken kebabs and turmeric rice, every bite given with care. "There we go," he murmured as she ate from his hand.
Xoni and Anesthesia's tension flared, erupting into a heated argument. "You're just such a FUCKING BITCH!" Xoni yelled. Anesthesia tried to defend herself, but Xoni pushed her, causing her head to strike a glass mirror.
"I DIDN'T EVEN SLEEP WITH HIM! I KILLED HIM AND BURNED HIS BODY! She was lying to you because she wants you!" Anesthesia shouted
Josephine appeared, placing a hand on Xoni's shoulder. She Calmly show her the boy broken arm as she smiled at them, shocking everyone. Xavi's curiosity was piqued. "How?" he asked. Josephine only smirked. "Give her time, brother," Xavi said softly.
Xoni's tears fell. "I swear I'll destroy her," she muttered. Josephine made a hand sign toward her twin, smiling reassuringly.
By nightfall, Xoni found Anesthesia asleep, clutching Xoni's jacket. Sitting beside her, Xoni whispered I am very much sorry My sweet girl I promise never to hurt you again. She kissed Anesthesia gently, covering her with the blanket. "Sleep well, my princess," she said softly.
"Sleep well too, my darling," Anesthesia murmured with a small smile, drifting back to dreams.
Xavi, Josephine, and Adris slept together, the quiet strength of their family binding them amid chaos and sorrow. In a world where Xavi ruled ruthlessly, his love for his wife and child remained untouchable, unbreakable, and absolute.