Chapter 454: Tearful reunion.

With Warden Trixy’s guidance, Zyra finally stepped into the washroom with thirty minutes left on the pod countdown. Under the warm spray, she scrubbed away the thick layer of blood and exhaustion. Trixy provided her a set of soft, casual patient clothes to wear. By the time Zyra walked back into the medical bay, she was completely fresh and clean, without a single spot of blood left on her skin.

The moment Hunter saw her, a soft, rueful smile broke across his face. "Hey," he whispered, stepping closer. "Aunt Zena and Almeida are almost out of the pods."

Zyra looked up at the digital timers glowing above the pods. Only fifteen minutes were left. She let out a long sigh that trembled right through her entire chest.

The Grand Elder walked over, his warm hand gently patting her shoulder. "Whatever happens when those doors open, child," he said softly, "remember you are not alone. You have me."

Zyra nodded, blinking away a sting of fresh tears. She took a look around the busy room. The medical bay was buzzing with quiet activity. Many of the rescued soul maidens were recovering remarkably well. Tessi and her team were gently helping them up, guiding them through the portal and moving them to the safe, comfortable soul maiden quarters in the upper levels of the Sanctum. Watching the women smile and breathe freely brought a genuine, warm smile to Zyra’s lips.

Over on one of the metal benches, Achilles was sitting with his elbows on his knees. Zyra walked over and slid down beside him.

"How are things back home?" she asked quietly.

Achilles offered a small smile. "Beast Valley is doing fine. Crispus is holding down the fort and keeping everything in line." He turned his head to look at her, his eyes filled with warmth. "The second I heard Aunt Zena had been found... there was no way I was staying behind to count energy stones. I was not as close to her as Hunter was, but I knew her."

Zyra nodded softly.

Achilles reached out, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Hang in there, sister. Everything is going to be alright."

For the first time, Zyra leaned on Achilles’s shoulder, treating him like a real brother.

Soon, a loud melodic tune echoed through the room. With a soft hiss of released pressure, the doors of the medical pods slid open.

"They’re open!" Ivar yelled, sprinting toward the front alongside Solazo.

Every single person in the room went dead silent, their eyes glued to the pods. Almeida stepped out first. The pale, deathly look was completely gone_ his skin was clear, his posture straight, looking totally refreshed and fully cured. In fact, he looked like he had aged back to the early twenties. He raised his arms high above his head, popping his back with a loud stretch.

"Ahhhh," Almeida groaned with a grin. "I haven’t slept that well in fifty years!"

Hunter let out a choked sound, blinking back hot, burning tears. "Old man!" he yelled, half-laughing, half-sobbing. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"

Almeida chuckled, walking over to clap Hunter on the back. "Oh, stop crying, boy. This turned out better than I expected. Look at me now, if you ask anyone in this room, they’d swear we’re the exact same age!"

"In your dreams," Hunter wheezed, wiping his eyes.

Both of them chuckled, but their eyes quickly drifted over to the second pod.

Zena was stepping out. Her skin had regained its soft bounce, and while her hair remained a striking, pure snow-white, it was thick, long, and flowing with full volume. She looked like a skinny, middle-aged woman.

Zyra didn’t wait another second. She sprinted across the floor and launched herself straight into her arms.

"MOM!" Zyra sobbed into her neck.

Zena caught her, wrapping her arms around Zyra in a fierce, crushing embrace. Tears spilled instantly from Zena’s eyes, running down her warm cheeks. In the next second, both of them collapsed to their knees on the floor, clinging to each other and crying violently--pure, overflowing tears of absolute happiness.

"My baby... my sweet girl..." Zena sobbed, pressing kisses into Zyra’s green hair.

The two women clung to each other, sobs echoing through the room. Their tears fell heavy, raw grief that had been building for so many years. Most people in the room paused, hearts stirred by the sight.

After a long minute, Zena pulled back slightly, her hands framing Zyra’s face as she inspected her from head to toe. Her eyes widened. "Zyra... your aura... your bloodline awakened!"

Zyra wiped her messy, tear-streaked face and waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, that? Long story. Story for another day."

Zena chuckled softly through her tears, letting Zyra pull her to her feet. She looked up and spotted the Grand Elder standing nearby. A soft gasp escaped her lips, and the two old friends stepped forward, pulling each other into a warm hug.

Hunter stepped up next. Zyra beamed through her tears, grabbing Hunter’s arm and pulling him close. "Mom... Hunter and I are married now."

Zena’s eyes went wide with shock before a huge, joyful laugh erupted from her throat. "Married?! Oh, my goodness! That is the best news I’ve heard in a long time." She hugged Hunter and hugged Zyra again, as if she could not get enough of her daughter.

Then, Zena turned her head and met the eyes of Almeida. She paused, her smile softening into profound gratitude. She stepped forward and bowed her head respectfully to him.

Almeida smiled warmly, but his eyes were filled with guilt. "I should have found you and those Soul maidens sooner."

"Mom," Zyra spoke up gently, "Almeida sacrificed his own energy to keep you alive back in the silo. He saved you."

Zena’s eyes softened with deep respect. "Well, that’s what family does for each other," she said smoothly, before offering him a soft smile. "Still... thank you, Almeida. From the bottom of my heart."

Zena looked around the room, her eyes searching the faces. "Where is Ian?" she asked softly.

Zyra’s smile faltered just a little, turning soft and melancholic. "He’s alive," she answered gently.

The brief, careful answer left Zena puzzled, her brow furrowing, but before she could pry, Zyra quickly switched the subject. Her heart pounded as she asked the question she feared the most. "Mom... what about Father?"

Zena’s eyes slowly closed. She swallowed deeply, a heavy, painful breath rattling in her throat. When she opened her eyes, they were full of sorrow.

"I am so sorry, Zyra..." Zena whispered. "Your father... he is dead."

Zyra slowly nodded her head. Fresh tears quietly leaked down her cheeks, but she didn’t break down. "I... I expected it," Zyra whispered softly, her voice cracking. "Especially after seeing the state we found you in."

Zena let out a shaky sigh. "When I visited the Demerides twins, I told them where your father and I were going. But the minute we reached the dungeon entrance... Erik and his minions were already waiting for us. It was an ambush. It was no coincidence. Someone gave me up. Your father tried to fight... he could not allow them to take me. There was a mole."