"Sister-in-law?" Star called out softly, her voice carrying a fragile hope.
Josephine's eyes fluttered open, the fog of unconsciousness slow to lift. Her gaze, still heavy, moved from Star's concerned face to the opulent, yet unfamiliar, bedroom. A wave of disorientation made her shake her head lightly.
"Where am I?" she asked, sitting up. Then, the memory of the battle, of the overwhelming darkness, rushed back:
"Wait! Where is Sunny?!" Her face, moments ago clouded with confusion, twisted into a mask of pure panic and primal fear for her mate.
"Calm down! He is safe," Star quickly reassured her, stepping closer. "He's with the other rulers and remaining elders of the Immortal Council."
"Mum!"
The door flew open with a bang, and Ellen rushed inside. She launched herself onto the bed, wrapping her small, fierce arms around her mother.
