Xavi had finished cleaning Josephine's body with meticulous care. He lifted her gently into his carriage, laying her down with utmost reverence and pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. The air around him hummed with the weight of his years and battles, yet in that moment, he was only a husband tending to the love of his life.
The family's carriages moved toward Zephyria. The twins and Adris traveled in their own carriage. Adris, ever protective of his younger brother, carefully cleaned Orion's hearing aid and placed it back into his left ear, ensuring it was comfortable even as Orion slept.
After twenty minutes, the carriages arrived in Zephyria. Adris carried his sleeping brother down the steps, while his mischievous little sister darted ahead.
"Be careful," Adris chuckled, watching her skip with delight.
Suddenly, she tripped. Josephine's body glowed faintly in Xavi's arms, a soft wind lifting her slightly and settling her gently back into his hold.
"There is a chance she's trying to wake up," Theron said, stroking his baby daughter Miren's hair. He had noticed the subtle glow, sensing the connection. "She… saved Ophelia just now."
"I hope she wakes up soon," Xavi murmured, a pang of longing in his voice. "I miss her… so much."
They entered the grand hall, where guests had already gathered. Assia, now 26, and Lyra, 24, walked in with their children: Renar and Lucen.
"Hi, Auntie A!!" Ophelia squealed, running into Assia's arms.
"Hi, baby!" Assia responded, hugging her tightly.
Xavi placed Josephine on a soft cotton bed in the hall, allowing the air to flow around her. He removed his gloves and sat attentively by her side, giving strict instructions regarding the 60 million golden coins he accepted in her name. The women of the household then departed to Zephyria's market to arrange party necessities.
Xavi noticed Orion twitching, troubled in his sleep. Adris leaned over. "Looks like he's having a bad dream," he said. Suddenly, the mark on Orion's neck began to glow. The boy gripped his blanket tightly as he dreamt of being chased by demons.
Josephine's body began to glow faintly, a smile brushing her lips.
"She… is smiling," Hallie said softly, her voice trembling.
In Orion's dream, Josephine appeared, cradling him.
"Mama…?" he whispered, sweating.
She lifted him gently, using the Emerald Leaf to vanquish the demons that had haunted him. Orion's nightmare transformed into giggles and claps as he called out, "Mama! Mama!" repeatedly.
Xavi stared at Josephine's motionless body, numb with shock and hope. Tess, Piere, Callum, Therodora (29), and Ruby (35) entered, carrying their children—Ezra and newborn Malric. They heard Orion's joyful laughter and saw Josephine glowing faintly.
"Is she waking up?" Tess asked, rushing forward.
"No, she's connected to Orion's dream," Adris explained.
"I love you, Mama," Orion mumbled in his sleep, his small hands reaching out. Josephine smiled faintly in response.
"She is smiling!" Xavi breathed, his eyes wide.
"Soon… I can feel it," he whispered, cupping her face gently.
By 4:35 p.m., the Zephyria party was in full swing. Xavi remained in Josephine's room, leaving the children downstairs. Adris sat holding Orion, listening as his brother recounted his dream.
"Mama killed all the bad demons and played with me!" Orion said, beaming.
"Mama is the best," Adris agreed, feeding Ophelia her meal.
Meanwhile, Ardera scanned the crowd, seeking Xavi.
"He's not coming down, Aunt," Xoni said, holding her newborn, Renia. "He knows why you threw this party—it was to get another woman for him."
Anesthesia kissed her baby girl while cradling their five-year-old son, Vexar. Ardera clenched her fists as she saw Princess Morticia, the guest she had invited from the Kingdom of Ravaryn.
"Princess Morticia," Ardera greeted stiffly.
"Duchess Ardera," Morticia replied with a smirk. She had cream-toned skin, midnight teal hair, and piercing blue eyes. Half sea witch, half demon, she radiated arrogance and danger. Morticia hugged Ardera casually.
"Good luck getting him out of that room," Xoni whispered with a chuckle, walking away with her fists clenched.
Upstairs, Xavi slept, lost in a dream of him and Josephine dancing slowly. Tears ran down his face.
"Five long, painful years without you, my love… How much I've missed you. I want my wife, the mother of my children, back," he whispered.
"Look at me, baby," Josephine's voice echoed in his dream. "I love you so much. I've been trying to wake up, but nothing worked. I wanted to return to our family, but I couldn't… until now. I swear to you, Xavi, I will come back to you and our children."
Xavi held her tightly, kissing her again as they danced.
Downstairs, the party concluded. Morticia remained, conspiring with Ardera, plotting to become Xavi's new wife. Adris overheard their scheming, his eyes glowing dark red.
By sunrise, breakfast brought a rare calm. Xavi fed his children, his voice deep and content.
"Your mama danced with me all night, so I'm happy," he said.
"Yeah, Dad, you're in a good mood," Adris noted, wearing his blue and white socks.
Xavi looked around. "Where's Ophelia?"
"She's sleeping… like Jojo one leg up like a split in the air," Callum laughed. "Nana used to tie her legs when she slept," Tess added, joining the laughter.
Ardera's sharp tone cut through. "And who are you guys?"
"My wife. Siblings, respect them—or leave," Xavi said coldly.
Adris whispered to Xavi, recounting everything he had overheard about Morticia and Ardera's plans. "I swear on Mama," he said firmly. Xavi nodded, dark energy stirring within him.
Adris also approached Great Grandmother Queen Kendra, whispering everything into her ear.
"Seriously?" Kendra said, shocked.
"Yes. Keep it cool. I have a plan," Adris said, a wicked smirk on his face as he strode out, dark energy radiating from him. He laughed softly, a sound filled with the power of the Zephyria lineage.
Josephine's fingers twitched slightly, signaling that the Queen of Zephyria was awakening at last.