The night was heavy with rain — the kind that whispered against the palace walls like ghosts breathing secrets. The moon was hidden, the world asleep.
But in the King's chamber, Xavi tossed and turned in his sleep, trapped inside a nightmare that gripped his soul.
In the dream, he saw her — the woman who once carried Adris in her womb.
Adris's mother.
Her eyes were cold, unfeeling, like the edge of a blade. She stood before the throne, blood on her hands, and Josephine's lifeless body lay at her feet.
Then, with cruel grace, she sat upon Josephine's throne, wearing the Silent Queen's crown as if it were her own. In her arms was Adris — silent, crying — and she smiled a smile that made Xavi's heart shatter.
"NO!" he roared, reaching out—
And woke up.
Xavi sat upright, gasping for breath. His chest rose and fell as sweat rolled down his temples. His heart was pounding so loudly that it echoed in his ears.
"Adris!" he said aloud, eyes wild.
Then he saw them.
Josephine and Adris — both fast asleep, curled together like peace itself. Josephine's silver hair glowed faintly in the moonlight, her hand resting protectively over their son's chest.
Outside, rain pattered softly against the window.
He rose from the bed, bare feet touching the cold marble floor, and walked toward the window. The world outside was a blur of silver rain and shadow. The clock nearby glowed faintly — 1:36 a.m.
He stood there for forty long minutes, lost in thought, eyes tracing every drop that slid down the glass. His mind replayed the nightmare again and again. He clenched his fists, trying to shake it away.
Behind him, the bed stirred.
Josephine reached out, but her hand met empty sheets. Slowly, she opened her eyes, realizing Xavi wasn't beside her. Quietly, she rose and walked toward him, her bare feet silent on the marble.
When she touched his shoulder, he turned sharply — then softened immediately at the sight of her.
"Hey, baby," Xavi said quietly, kissing her cheek. "Why are you up?"
Josephine made a gentle sign with her hands: "Why are you up?"
He exhaled, looking down. "I had a bad dream. That's why I'm awake," he said softly.
She didn't need words. She stepped closer and pulled him into a tight embrace. He froze for a second, then melted into her arms, wrapping himself around her, resting his forehead on her shoulder. Her warmth grounded him, her scent calmed the chaos inside him.
He needed this — her.
It was, after all, a special day.
The birthday of their son — Adris.
Josephine leaned up and kissed him deeply. Their lips met in quiet fire, the rain outside still falling like a lullaby.
When they pulled away, Xavi whispered against her lips, "Thank you, my Queen."
At that moment, a tiny yawn broke the silence.
"Mama? Papa?" Adris mumbled sleepily, rubbing his eyes. His small voice filled the room like sunshine breaking dawn.
They turned to him immediately, smiling.
"Happy birthday, my boy," Xavi said, rubbing his son's hair.
Adris giggled and hugged both of them. Josephine brought out a small cake she had hidden earlier, candles glowing softly in the dim light.
"Yay!! Thank you, Mama!" Adris shouted gleefully as she kissed his cheeks.
"Make a wish, my little star," Xavi whispered.
Adris pressed his hands together, eyes shut tight. "I wish Jojo be mine mama forever," he said, smiling innocently, "and let her stay with Dada. Papa will be the strongest King ever!"
Then he blew out the candles, the flames vanishing in a swirl of golden smoke.
Josephine's heart melted. She hugged him tightly, her eyes soft and glistening.
Soon, the three of them fell asleep together — their small, perfect family under the calm rain.
By morning, laughter filled the palace.
"Happy Birthday, Adris!" the Gang and Family shouted in unison as they gathered in the Grand Hall.
Adris, wearing his tiny silver crown, floated in the air laughing, spinning slowly in circles. The others cheered as he giggled uncontrollably.
From a distance, Xavi stood with his arms crossed, smiling proudly, while Josephine worked in the kitchen with calm precision.
She'd never seen Xavi's other form before — the form the world feared — but that day, she would soon.
"All done!" Xoni said, slipping an arm around Anesthesia's waist.
Anesthesia laughed softly, her hair now a brilliant flame-red color that shimmered with light.
Josephine's silver hair caught her reflection in the window. She tilted her head, thinking, and picked up a small bowl of cherry-red dye. She wanted a change — a deep cherry red that burned like passion.
But before she began, a familiar voice echoed softly behind her.
"Hey, Jojo," Aradia said, appearing in a swirl of white mist. "You wanna change your hair color?"
Josephine nodded with a smile.
Aradia chuckled. "Alright, but you can't use dyes — use spells instead, okay?"
Josephine nodded again, eyes bright. Aradia raised her hands and murmured an enchantment. Magic shimmered around Josephine's hair, glowing red, turning every strand into deep cherry silk that glowed like embers in twilight.
When it was done, Josephine smiled wide and bowed deeply.
"Thank you," she signed with a small tilt of her head.
Aradia smiled back, vanishing in a soft sparkle of light.
Moments later, the door opened. Xavi stood there, leaning against the frame, his dark eyes soft.
"Josephine, love?" he said.
She turned to him, her new hair catching the light — the deep red glowing like royal fire. She smiled sweetly, and for a second, Xavi forgot how to breathe. His heart thumped loudly in his chest.
He cleared his throat, awkwardly rubbing his neck. "You're just… too pretty. Every time I see you, it gets worse," he muttered, smiling shyly. "I—uhm… everything's ready. Come on, let's go."
They walked together down the black and dark-golden stairs, hand in hand.
Adris was already dressed — in a small royal suit Josephine had picked for him. His little tie was crooked, but his proud smile made up for it. The hall was alive with laughter, food, and music.
They ate, danced, and celebrated the whole day — a royal birthday filled with magic and joy.
Xavi stood at a distance, watching them all — his Queen, his son, his family — and nodded quietly, happiness warming his chest.
The next morning came quickly.
Adris was ready — his first day at the academy.
Josephine dressed him in his small uniform, straightened his collar, and kissed his forehead. She still had a year and a half left before she finished her own studies, and Adris had seven long years ahead before graduation.
Xavi escorted them to the academy gates. As they walked, Josephine tapped his shoulder.
"Yeah?" he asked, smiling.
She made a sign with her hands: "How does your form look like?"
He chuckled softly. "Well… when I transform, I actually grow into a giant size," he said with a grin.
Her eyes widened in curiosity. She signed again: "Can I see when I come back?"
"Yeah, sure, baby," Xavi said, cupping her cheek. He leaned down and kissed her softly before she left.
"Bye, Papa!" Adris called out cheerfully.
Xavi waved, his throat tightening as he watched them disappear through the gates.
A single tear rolled down his cheek. He laughed under his breath, wiping it away.
"He's growing up now," he murmured. "My boy's really growing up…"
A father's tear — gentle, proud, and full of love — fell onto the stone path below.